We are well aware that trainings are being canceled or postponed during this health emergency situation which may result in difficulties recertifying credentials on or before expiration dates. You have up to one year beyond your expiration date to recertify your credential so there is no need to request an extension or waiver.  Further, RICB will waive the extra lapsed fee for any certified professional who is late recertifying their credential.  When you are able, you will simply recertify as normal. Your current expiration date cannot be extended so your credential will lapse if you are unable to recertify on or before the expiration date.  However, you can still recertify your lapsed credential up to one year beyond your expiration date. You may use online trainings for some or all of your recertification hours.

The Rhode Island Certification Board (RICB) is pleased to announce the availability of a Certified Perinatal Doula credential. The credential will be offered in a Legacy period from October 5, 2021 – May 5, 2022. During this timeframe, there will be no time limit when education/training may have been obtained. Upon conclusion of the legacy period education/training will be required to be obtained within the last three years prior to the date of application.

Doula or perinatal doula means a trained professional providing continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a pregnant individual, from antepartum, intrapartum, and up to the first twelve (12) months of the postpartum period. Doulas also provide assistance by referring childbearing individuals to community-based organizations and certified and licensed perinatal professionals in multiple disciplines.

Certification is not required to practice as a doula in Rhode Island. The purpose of this credential is to provide certification for doulas who plan to accept insurance reimbursement and will be required for contracting with Medicaid and private insurance per RI SB484: An Act Related To Human Services - Medical Assistance - Perinatal Doula Services. There is no certification requirement or regulation to restrict uncertified doulas from supporting families in hospital settings. 

For requirements and more detailed information, please review the Certified Perinatal Doula Application.

RICB offers three certifications that are prerequisites for licensing: CADC, CAADC & CCS.

In order to obtain OR renew your license, your CADC, CAADC and/or CCS must remain active and in good standing. Licenses are renewed in October of even years. License renewal is done through the Rhode Island Department of Health, Chemical Dependency Licensing Board. RICB does random checks throughout the year to verify those who are licensed have also renewed their certification(s). If a professional is found to be out of compliance, their name will be submitted to the Licensing Board.

Licenses (LCDP & LCDCS) are obtained through the Department of Health, Board of Chemical Dependency Professionals. Questions regarding the licenses should be directed to the Department of Health. For more information on licensing, visit the Department of Health's Chemical Dependency Profession website. 

RICB is dedicated to consumer protection through offering competency-based credentials to behavioral and community health professionals. RICB maintains ethical standards and procedures for practice for its professionals. They also advocate for and represent these competencies and standards to stakeholders.