Doula Program
Apply for Certification 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 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 one of three Pathways towards Doula Certification with the NM Department of Health.
Documents
Apply for Certification
Here you will find the forms that are required when completing your application.
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
- State Plan Amendment (SPA)
- NM Medicaid Letter of Direction (LOD)
- Health Care Authority (HCA)
- New Mexico Doula Association
- 2025 Doula and Lactation Provider Managed Care Reference Guide