Code of Ethics

This applies to DTC Certified Labor Doulas (CLD)


Preamble to the Code of Ethics 
Ethical principles should guide both the decisions a CLD makes and the actions a CLD takes. Therefore, the standards relating to conduct are integrated within the Code of Ethics. 


DTC Code of Ethics for Certified Labor Doulas 
The CLD must practice in compliance with the following principles: 

Autonomy 

  1. Assist the Client in maintaining one’s own autonomy, acknowledging that the Client is free to make informed decisions for oneself and the baby that are free of coercion.

  2. Obtain Client consent to help in physical comfort measures.

Integrity

  1. Provide to all persons truthful and accurate information with respect to the professional performance of duties. 

  2. Provide accurate and truthful documentation of Doula care. 

  3. Accurate documentation is an important indication that the CLD is practicing within their Scope of Practice and following the DTC Code of Ethics. 

Beneficence 

  1. Promote and encourage the highest level of ethics within the profession. 

  2. Strive for excellence in all aspects of the field. 

  3. Consistently perform at or above the standards acceptable to the field in order to foster the best outcomes for families and demonstrate respect for professionals in the field.

  4. Increase professional growth and knowledge by attending appropriate educational and training programs. 

  5. Contribute knowledge to professional meetings and journals to raise the consciousness of the Profession. 

  6. Maintain the highest standards of safety and any other responsibilities. 

Nonmaleficence 

  1. Recognize and discharge personal responsibility to uphold all laws and regulations relating to Doula policies and activities.

  2. Use only legal and ethical means in all activities.

  3. Protect the public against fraud and unfair practices and attempt to eliminate all practices that bring discredit to the profession. 

  4. When providing services or products, consider adequate or appropriate liability insurance. 

  5. Understand, recognize, respect, and acknowledge intellectual property rights, including but not limited to copyrights (which apply to written material, photographs, slides, illustrations, etc.), trademarks, service marks, and patents.

  6. Report violations of Scope of Practice to DTC. 

  7. Notify DTC if convicted of criminal misconduct.

Confidentiality 

  1. Maintain strict client confidentiality. Report safety issues to the appropriate authority, following the laws relating to confidentiality. 

  2. Maintain professional and confidential records and documentation following legal and ethical practices. Falsifying documents is professional misconduct. 

  3. Stay up to date with state and local laws regarding confidentiality and reporting in special circumstances (e.g. domestic violence).

Justice 

  1. Avoid discrimination against other individuals on the basis of race, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  2. Refuse any gift, favor, or hospitality from clients currently in their care that might be interpreted as seeking to exert influence to obtain preferential consideration.

Role Fidelity

  1. Maintain the highest standards of personal conduct practicing within the legal constraints of the individual’s Scope of Practice to protect client safety and to bring credit to the Doula Profession.

  2. Refer clients to appropriate medical and other resources for issues beyond the certificant’s Scope of Practice.

  3. Cooperate with professional colleagues to provide the highest quality service. 

  4. Extend these same professional commitments to all those persons supervised or employed. 

  5. Disclose any financial or other conflicts of interest in relevant organizations providing goods or services. Ensure that professional judgment is not influenced by any commercial considerations. 

  6. Notify the DTC if, through circumstances foreseen or unforeseen, if the certificant is unable to perform the essential functions of the CLD role with or without reasonable accommodation. 

All CLDs are required to subscribe to DTC’s Code Ethics. Disciplinary action, up to and including permanent revocation of the credential may be taken if certificants are found to be in violation of any of the aspects of the Code of Ethics. 


Scope of Practice

Training/Certification/Licenses 

● Doulas will have completed doula training and work towards obtaining THW certification.
● Doulas will maintain current CPR/First Aide Certification. 
● Doulas will maintain liability insurance. 

The Doula’s Role: 

● Doulas will provide non-medical emotional and physical support and assist clients to gain the necessary evidence-based information to help make informed decisions about their care prenatally through the postpartum period. 

● Doulas do not diagnose, prescribe, provide treatment, and will not perform any tasks that are deemed clinical or medical. This includes any recommendations or suggestions for medications, either prescribed or over-the-counter, herbs, essential oils, taking blood pressure, temperature, fetal heart tone checks, vaginal examinations, removing of medical equipment such as: monitors, blood pressure cuffs, IVs or other medical equipment placed by the client’s medical team. 

● Any suggestions and/or information provided within the role of the doula must be done with the condition that the doula advises the client to check with their care provider. 

● If the doula has qualifications in alternative or complementary modalities (such as an aromatherapist, massage therapist, acupuncturist, placenta encapsulation, etc.), Doula must make it very clear to the client and others that those modalities are an independent service, outside of the doula’s role. 

● Doulas will not assist in intentional unassisted childbirth. 

● Doulas do not speak on behalf of the clients. Instead, doulas encourage clients to ask questions of their care provider and to help address their birthing preferences and concerns. Doulas may enhance communication between client and care provider by assisting clients using tools such as “B.R.A.I.N.”. 

Professionalism 

● Doulas should treat colleagues (other birth workers, medical professionals – doctors, midwives, nurses, hospital staff -- and community members) with respect, courtesy, and fairness. 

● Doulas will do their best to adhere to rules/regulations of the hospital/facility. 

● Doulas will treat each client and their family with professional courtesy and respect and not engage in discriminatory biases based on sex, religion, age, race, or background. 

● Doulas will not engage in illegal activity while contracted with Clients 

● Doulas will not be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol while serving Clients. 

Confidentiality/Social Media 

● Doulas are trained and abide by HIPAA standards. 

● Doulas agree to not post on any social media platform about clients, regardless if there is or isn’t any identifying information unless consent has been signed by client.