Minnesota Doulas - State Registry?

nocomparta · 09-25-2007, 12:30 PM

CAPPA just received a letter that Minnesota has enacted a law providing for a doula registry that Minnesotans can consult to find a doula. The bill includes language stating that Minnesotans have a right to have a doula at their birth. But the registry is only for certified doulas, and there is a fee AND a criminal background check. What do you think?

(Even if you are not from Minnesota, I would love your input)

ScootchsMom · 09-25-2007, 12:36 PM

Hmmmmmm.....I am very hesitant to have government involvement at all in anything doula related. While it seems like it cold have been a positive thing, the addition of the criminal background check and the mandatory certification requirement seems a step in the direction of controlling another aspect of birth, KWIM? What happens next, hospitals refuse to allow you to use a doula who is not on the state registry? Also, who pays the fee, the doula or the parents?

Liz

nocomparta · 09-25-2007, 12:39 PM

The doula pays the fee for being on the registry, I assume to cover the background check. And I can see the state's hesitance to have a known criminal on a list they endorse. And the registry is voluntary. But it just seems to be the beginning of the state getting involved in a private matter to me.

doulagirl · 09-25-2007, 02:46 PM

true, it probably is the beginning of a more mandated field of work (which i'm not looking forward to), but maybe if the state recognizes us then maybe the next step will be the insurance companies...and we could be more sought after if we are covered on most policies. also, it could also mean if our fees for certification go up, then so do our hiring fees, for good or ill. i'm a minnesota doula too, thanks for the info! i like to know what's going on and haven't heard of this new turn of events...

nocomparta · 09-25-2007, 03:27 PM

I just spoke with a guy on the phone from the Department of Health, and he was very informative. He is sending me some info in the mail. He said that the fee for the three year listing is 136 dollars, and if your background check has results, people who view your listing will be able to see that. I don't know what I would think about that. But I don't have a criminal background, so I guess it wouldn't matter, LOL!

Annie · 09-25-2007, 07:15 PM

I wonder how they came up with that fee amount, it isn't any nice round number. $136. Not $135 or $140. Hmmm.

-Annie

nocomparta · 09-25-2007, 07:52 PM

Government...

jesscardona · 09-27-2007, 11:10 PM

Sorry.. to me, you have at your birth who ever the hec you want, a doula, 3 doulas, family, etc.. Im glad I don't live there.

syncreo · 09-28-2007, 09:03 AM

From what you have said so far Val (correct me if I am wrong) it doesn't mean that they can't have uncertified doulas at their birth just that they won't be listed on the directory.

I am not sure what I think - I actually am for a bit more regulation and I think asking people to be certified is not unreasonable nor is a criminal reference check but I also know it isn't a popular view around here. I am also from Canda where many of us tend to feel that government regulations benefit us in terms of health care - we have regulated funded midwifery care in Ontario and although there are drawbacks I feel overwhelmingly the change has opened up more options for women. Also our healthcare field is government funded so I see the benefit in that.
Sorry - a bit off topic. ,