Birth doula rules adopted and filed

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 09/14/2023 08:00 AM PDT

September 13, 2023

Birth doula rules adopted and filed

The Health Care Authority (HCA) is sending this message on behalf of the Department of Health (DOH).

The Department of Health has filed CR 103 and the concise explanatory statement for the adopted birth doula rules.

The adopted rules implement Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1881, codified under chapter 18.47 RCW, creating birth doulas (doula) as a new health profession in Washington. The rules establish the profession’s education, training, and certification requirements.

This is a voluntary credential, meaning that an individual does not need to be credentialed in Washington to provide doula services. However, the title "state-certified birth doula" cannot be used unless certified as a birth doula.

The certification will be effective on October 1, 2023. The application will be available on the birth doula webpage in the coming weeks.

Contact

If you have questions, contact birth doula staff at the Department of Health.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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