Credential standards
Our credential standards explain exactly what we check, how we label it and what we do not claim.
Clinical licenses for midwives
Midwives provide clinical care, so state rules apply. In Texas, licensed midwives are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Certified nurse-midwives are licensed through the Texas Board of Nursing.
A moderator matches the name, license number and status to the official record. Then we log the date and the reviewer. Only after that does a profile show “License checked”.
National credentials and doula certifications
National credentials, such as the CPM from NARM or certification from AMCB, are listed separately from state licenses.
For doulas, certification is optional. As a result, a doula can publish without one, as long as the profile is accurate. When we check a certification with its issuer, the profile says “Certification checked”.
Status labels in our credential standards
Each credential shows one status: provider-reported, not provided, pending review, checked active, or checked no longer active. In addition, checked items show the date we looked.
Before we list midwives in a new state, we write that state’s checklist first. Also, if we cannot confirm a needed license, we hold the clinical listing for review.
Credential questions
Why does a profile say “not yet checked”?
Because a moderator has not matched it to the official record yet. In that case, you can look it up yourself with the state board.
How often do you recheck?
We record expiry dates and review credentials again when they expire. Also, anyone can report a problem at any time.
Do birth counts show quality?
No. Births attended are provider-reported. They show experience, but they are not a measure of clinical quality.
What our credential standards never allow
Payment never changes a credential status or ownership status. We also never show a generic “verified” badge, because it hides what was actually checked.
Spotted a mistake? Use correct or remove a listing. Corrections are always free.