Doula Program
Forms Doula Certification Toolkit Frequently Asked QuestionsBackground
Doulas are trained nonclinical professionals who provide emotional, physical, psychosocial, and informational support to pregnant, birthing, post-pregnant people, and their families.
The benefits of doula support are well documented, and research shows that doula involvement improves a person’s experience with reproductive medical care or health-related transitions, as well as improving birth outcomes and address health disparities.
Medicaid Reimbursement
New Mexico Medicaid is adding coverage for doula services as a new reimbursable preventative service for individuals navigating pregnancy-related care before, during, and after a pregnancy or childbirth.
Doula services include:
- Prenatal & post-partum physical, emotional, and evidence-based. educational support and linkages to community-based resources.
- Counseling related to Pre-conception, Pregnancy Loss, Infant Loss, Termination of Pregnancy.
- Non-medical Labor & Delivery (L&D) support.
How to Become a NM Medicaid Doula Provider
Doulas are required to obtain certification through the New Mexico Department of Health to become a Medicaid provider.
To become certified, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time the application is submitted.
- Maintain a current adult and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
- Provide proof of a Local Business License, Tax Certificate, and Permit for any city and/or county where business activities are conducted.
- Provide a current Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
- Provide attestation that they have completed HIPAA Training named “HIPAA Awareness - Module 1 (1047429)” located at www.train.org/nm/welcome, or an approved basic Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) training course, within one year prior to the date of the Doula Certification application.
- Complete a W-9 form.
- Complete one of three Pathways towards Doula Certification with the NM Department of Health.
Documents
Doula Certification Toolkit
The NM Department of Health has created a toolkit to support doulas in their certification journey. Please click the link below to access the toolkit:
Resources
New Mexico Resources
- Doula Credentialing and Access Act - Coming Soon
- State Plan Amendment (SPA)
- NM Medicaid Letter of Direction (LOD)
- Health Care Authority (HCA)
- New Mexico Doula Association