For those looking to extend this support to military families covered under TRICARE, the process of becoming an authorized certified labor doula with TRICARE requires navigating a set of specific requirements and procedures. Focusing on TRICARE West (run by Health Net Federal Services), we outline the steps and requirements for becoming a TRICARE authorized doula.
Provider Requirements
Before applying, it’s crucial to ensure you meet the following prerequisites:
- Age and Certification: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and maintain current CPR certification for adults, children, and infants.
- National Provider Identification (NPI) Number: A unique identifier for health care providers in the United States.
- Malpractice Insurance: Coverage must be at least $200k/$600k.
- Clean Record: Applicants must not have any current Medicare or Medicaid sanctions or unexplained gaps in their work history for the last five years.
- License and Certification: Must be licensed/certified by one of five recognized boards (see the list below) and hold a current certification as a Certified Labor Doula (CLD), obtained within the last three years. Postpartum doula certification alone does not qualify.
Additional Requirements for Certified Labor Doulas
- Education: A minimum of 24 hours of education covering the physiology of labor, and training in labor, antepartum, and postpartum doula care.
- Breastfeeding and Childbirth Classes: Attendance at one or more classes in each category.
- Experience: Must not have been gained during the doula’s own pregnancy or the childbirth of an immediate family member.
- In-Person Childbirth Support: Provision of continuous support for at least three childbirths, totaling a minimum of 15 hours. At least two births should have been vaginal, and support must include antepartum and postpartum care for at least one birth.
Acceptable Certification Organizations
Certification must come from one of the following organizations, recognized for their credibility in the field:
- BirthWorks International
- Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association
- Doulas of North America (DONA) International
- International Childbirth Education Association
- toLabor
Applying for Authorization
After ensuring all requirements are met, candidates can submit their application for approval. Applications are processed through fax for TRICARE West, with a response time of about 30 business days.
Gaining Authorization
Becoming a TRICARE authorized doula opens up opportunities to support military families during a transformative time in their lives. It requires dedication to meeting specific educational and professional standards, but the impact on families is invaluable. For those in the TRICARE East region, it's essential to consult the corresponding processes and requirements as they may vary from those of TRICARE West.
