How to Apply

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Become a Medi-Cal Doula Provider

Traditionally doulas are paid by their clients (private pay) for their services. As a Medi-Cal provider you will get your payments from the state or a managed care plan (MCP). If this is something you would like to pursue, you're in the right place! Keep reading to find out how!

Eligibility & Requirements:

There are two pathways to become a Medi-Cal doula provider. Before you decide which path is for you, it's important to know that all Medi-Cal doulas must:

  • Be at least 18 years old,
  • Be adult/infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certified
  • Complete a basic Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training
  • Have attended a minimum of 3 births.

 

Do you have all of these? Excellent - next choose a pathway.

 

There are two pathways, and you only need to qualify for ONE. You DO NOT need to do both, pick one!

If you took a doula training and have a certificate of attendance choose the "Training Pathway" below.

If you have 5 of more years of experience working as a Doula choose the "Experience Pathway" below.

Training Pathway:

  • Complete a doula training (minimum of 16 hours) that includes the following areas: 
    • Lactation support 
    • Childbirth education 
    • Foundations on anatomy of pregnancy and childbirth 
    • Non-medical comfort measures
    • Prenatal support and labor support techniques 
    • Developing a community resource list 
  • Provide support as a doula at a minimum of three births

Experience Pathway: 

  • At least five years of active doula experience in either a paid or volunteer capacity within the previous seven years. 
  • Three written client testimonial letters or professional letters of recommendation from any of the following: a physician, licensed behavioral health provider, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, licensed midwife, enrolled doula, or community-based organization.
    • Letters must be written within the last seven years. 
    • One letter must be from either a licensed provider, a community-based organization, or an enrolled doula.

Steps to Become a Medi-Cal Doula Provider…

Check out the DHCS Doula Enrollment Checklist