The following definitions and those found in chapter 182-500 WAC apply to birth doula services.
"Agency" - See WAC 182-500-0010.
"Birth doula" - A nonmedical support person certified under chapter 246-835 WAC and trained to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing persons, their infants, and their families.
"Birth doula services" - Preventive services, as defined by 42 C.F.R. 440.130(c), provided by a birth doula to pregnant and post-pregnant people, their infants, and their families. Services include advocating for and supporting the birthing person and their family to self-advocate by helping them to know their rights and make informed decisions.
"Care coordination" - Collaboration and communication between the client's birth doula provider and other medical or health and social services providers, including Indian health care providers, or both, to partner with and address the individual client's and family's needs.
"Culturally congruent care" - See WAC 246-835-010.
"Department of health (DOH)" - The state agency that works with others to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state and which certifies the birth doula profession under chapter 246-835 WAC.
"Health care record" - See WAC 182-502-0020 for health care record requirements.
"In person" - The client and the provider are face-to-face in the same location.
"Lived experience" - Having first-hand knowledge and insight gained from navigating challenges similar to those faced by the people in the community. This can include shared experiences like cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic status, health conditions, or barriers accessing the health and social service systems.
"Medicaid agency" - See WAC 182-500-0070.
"Postpartum period" - The period lasting until the end of the 12th month after the pregnancy ends.
"Washington apple health" - See WAC 182-500-0120.