Doula Access at Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital
Public Notice of Doula Access Policy
Pursuant to the New Mexico House Bill 214 – Doula Credentialing and Access Act
Our commitment
Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital supports respectful, patient-centered care for patients receiving services related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the 12-month postpartum period. In accordance with the New Mexico HB 214 Doula Credentialing and Access Act, patients may choose a doula to accompany them in the hospital for nonmedical support.
Your right to choose a doula
You may select a doula of your choice to accompany you as one of your support persons during applicable hospital care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the 12-month postpartum period. Your doula does not need to be employed by, contracted with, or affiliated with Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital.
What doulas may provide
A doula is a trained, nonmedical professional who may provide health education, advocacy, and physical, emotional, social, informational, cultural, or spiritual support before birth, during pregnancy and childbirth, and during the 12-month postpartum period.
How to designate your doula
- Tell your care team who your doula is before admission, at admission, or during your hospital stay.
- Your selected doula will be considered one of your support persons.
- With your permission, your doula may help advocate for you and support your plan of care.
Doula role
- A doula is a trained, nonmedical professional who provides emotional, physical, informational and advocacy support.
- A doula is not a licensed clinical provider, does not provide medical care, and does not replace physicians, nurses, midwives or other licensed professionals.
- Doulas must operate within the nonclinical scope defined by state law and hospital policy.
Hospital check-in and safety requirements
Your doula must:
- Check in according to hospital process.
- Wear any required visitor or support-person badge.
- Follow infection prevention requirements, including hand hygiene and personal protective equipment when required.
- Respect patient privacy, confidentiality, and hospital conduct expectations.
- Follow staff instructions during emergencies, procedures, transfers, or safety events.
Access to clinical care areas
Your doula may accompany you in appropriate care areas related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum services. Certain clinical settings (such as operating rooms or other restricted clinical spaces) may have limitations based on patient safety, privacy or clinical necessity. Any limitation will be applied in the least restrictive way reasonably possible and will not be used to unreasonably deny your right to doula support. If access is limited, staff will explain the reason when possible and restore access as soon as reasonably appropriate.
Your care will not be affected
You will not be penalized, intimidated, or denied appropriate care because you choose to have a doula with you in accordance with hospital policy.
Access to full written policies
Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital maintains full, written doula access policies and procedures as required by HB 214.
Request a printed copy
Printed copies of the doula access policies are available upon request for patients, health care providers, or members of the public. Requests may be made by sending an email to CCHexperience@providence.org
Legal basis
This notice is provided in compliance with Section 7(A)(3)(b) of the Doula Credentialing and Access Act (HB 214), which requires hospitals to post a public notice of their doula access policies on their website.
References
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2025). §482.13 Condition of participation: Patient's rights. Retrieved from www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/section-482.13
- New Mexico Legislature. (2025). House Bill 214: Doula Credentialing and Access to Services. 57th Legislature, 1st Session. HB0214
- The Joint Commission. (2026). RI.01.01.01: The hospital respects, protects, and promotes patient rights. Retrieved from edition.jcrinc.com