Health Occupations Program
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Doula Registry

  1. Q:  What is a doula?

    A:  A doula provides emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum.

  2. Q:  What is the Doula Registry and what does it do?

    A:  The Minnesota legislature enacted a law effective July 1, 2007, creating the Doula Registry within the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The department verifies that an applicant is a certified doula by one of six private certifying organizations and identifies if the doula has a criminal history as shown on the web site of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

  3. Q:  What are the names of the private certifying organizations?

    A.  The private certifying organizations are: International Childbirth Education Association, Doulas of North America (DONA), Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE), Birthworks International, Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA), Childbirth International, and International Center for Traditional Childbearing. Use the links provided on this web site to find out how to contact the certifying organizations.

  4. Q:  Does the Minnesota Department of Health endorse the training offered by the certifying organizations in order to become a certified doula?

    A:  No. MDH does not evaluate the training. The Doula Registry is an informational resource and its purpose is to help Minnesotans find doula services.

  5. Q:  If a doula is not listed on the registry, does that mean that they are less qualified to perform doula services?

    A:  Maybe. Being listed on the registry means the doula has at least met the minimum qualifications of training and experience of one of the private certifying organizations.

  6. Q:  Is a doula practicing in Minnesota required to be listed on the registry?

    A:  No. The law does not require that a doula providing services in Minnesota be listed on the registry. Listing on the registry is voluntary.

  7. Q:  Can a doula that is not listed on the registry continue to use the title "doula".

    A:  Yes. The use of the title "doula" is not prohibited or restricted under the law.

  8. Q:  Does the department have a list of standards or competencies that a doula should possess in order to be listed on the registry?

    A:  No. You must contact the certifying organization to determine what standards or competencies a doula certified by the organization must possess.

  9. Q:  If I have a complaint about a doula will the department investigate the complaint?

    A:  No. The department has no statutory authority to investigate complaints. MDH will refer complainants to the appropriate doula certifying organization and any other appropriate authority.

  10. Q:  Once I've sent in my application and registry fees, will I be notified when my name is listed on the Doula Registry?

    A:  Yes. MDH will send you a letter notifying you that your name has been added to the Doula Registry.

  11. Q:  How long will my name be listed on the Doula Registry?

    A:  For three years from the date your name was first added to the registry if you maintain your doula certification with an approved certifying organization.

  12. Q:  Will I be notified prior to the three-year expiration date?

    A:  Yes. You will receive an application approximately 60 days prior to your expiration.

  13. Q:  What will happen if I don't maintain my doula certification with an approved certifying organization?

    A:  The expiration date of your doula certification will be on the Doula Registry web page. About 60 days prior to your certification expiration, you will receive a Doula Verification of Credential form. You fill in part of the form and send it to your certifying organization. The certifying organization will confirm your continued certification with the organization.

  14. Q:  If I have been listed on the registry and stop providing services, will I be entitled to receive a portion of my registry fees back?

    A:  No. All fees are nonrefundable.

  15. Q:  Whom do I contact with other questions about the Doula Registry?

    A:  Contact a Minnesota Department of Health employee at (651) 201-3731, e-mail Health.HOP@state.mn.us or visit our web site www.health.state.mn.us

 

Updated Wednesday, 19-Oct-2011 15:15:10 CDT