Ariz. Admin. Code § R9-16-902 - [Effective 8/2/2025] Doula Eligibility and Doula Scope of Practice

A. An individual may provide doula services in Arizona without obtaining certification as a certified doula specified in this Article.

B. An individual is eligible to apply for certification as a certified doula, if the individual:

1. Is 18 years of age or older;

2. Has at least a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma;

3. Has training or education covering at least one of the following:

a. Completion of at least 30 hours of in-person instruction or a combination of in-person and online instruction in core competency specified in this Article; or

b. Community training in non-western doula practices, as determined by the Department, documentation confirming that core competencies have been met through culturally specific training or education subject to Department review; or

c. Other related individualized or experiential training or education that is subject to review by the Director;

d. Proof of current certification from a nationally recognized doula organization;

4. Has written documentation of:

a. Observing at least one birth after completing the training or education specified in subsection (B)(3), signed and dated by the medical provider or licensed midwife who assisted the laboring mother;

b. Attending a minimum of three births while serving as the primary doula, including evaluations from the laboring mother and from the medical provider or licensed midwife who assisted the laboring mother;

c. Completing first aid and adult basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation through a course recognized by the American Heart Association;

d. Completing neonatal resuscitation through a course recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics or American Heart Association;

e.d. A code of ethics agreement as prescribed by the Department, and

f.e. A valid fingerprint clearance card issued according to A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 12, Article 3.1;

5. Meets the requirements of core competencies as specified in R9-16-901(8) and certified doula scope of practice as specified in R9-16-901(11); and

6. Submits an initial doula application in a Department-provided format to the Department.

C. Proof that an individual has current certification from a nationally recognized doula organization may substitute for requirements in subsections (B)(3).

C.D. An individual who does not meet the requirements in subsections (B)(3) and (4)(a) and (b), but who has been practicing as a doula in this state for at least five years before September 29, 2021, may be eligible to be a certified doula if the individual has:

1. Proof of current certification from a nationally recognized doula organization; and

2. Three letters of recommendation from medical providers or licensed midwives who have worked with the individual within the preceding two years and can attest to the individual's competency in providing doula services.

D.E. A certified doula shall not provide physical health services or behavioral health services, as defined in A.R.S. § 36-401 to a client.

Notes

Ariz. Admin. Code § R9-16-902

New Section made by Exempt Rulemaking at 29 A.A.R. 803, effective 8/1/2023. Amended by final expedited rulemaking at 29 A.A.R. 3431, effective 10/4/2023. Amended by final rulemaking at 31 A.A.R. 1647, effective 8/2/2025.