Grievance Process

Our Commitment to Professional Standards

The National Black Doulas Association® is committed to professionalism, ethical conduct, accountability, and respectful engagement within the communities we serve.

If you have a concern regarding the professional conduct or services of an NBDA-affiliated doula or birth professional, you may submit a grievance for review.

The grievance process gives NBDA an opportunity to review concerns connected to our professional standards, Code of Ethics, certification, membership, training community, or other NBDA affiliation.

When Should I File a Grievance?

A grievance may be appropriate when your concern involves:
• Professional conduct
• Ethical concerns
• Misrepresentation of NBDA affiliation, training, certification, or credentials
• Conduct that may conflict with the NBDA® Code of Ethics
• Professional behavior involving an NBDA-affiliated doula or birth professional
• Concerns regarding services provided by an NBDA-affiliated professional

A grievance should include enough information for NBDA to understand what occurred and determine whether the matter falls within our review process.

File A Grievance

What Is Not a Grievance?

Routine administrative or customer-service matters should not be submitted through the grievance process.

Examples include:
• Training registration questions
• Training rescheduling
• Payment-plan questions
• Membership account assistance
• Certification or recertification questions
• Website or login problems
• Technical support
• General questions about NBDA programs

For these concerns, please use our Contact or Technical Support resources.

Contact NBDA

What Information Should I Provide?

Please provide clear and factual information whenever possible.

Your grievance should include:

  • Your name and contact information

  • The name of the person involved

  • Your relationship to the person or situation

  • The approximate date or dates of the concern

  • A clear description of what occurred

  • Relevant communication or documentation

  • Any additional information that may help NBDA understand the concern

Supporting information may include relevant emails, messages, agreements, screenshots, or other documentation directly related to the grievance.

Please avoid submitting unnecessary medical, financial, or other highly sensitive information.

What Happens After I Submit a Grievance?

Once a grievance is received, NBDA will review the information provided.

The review process may include:

  • 1. Initial Review

    NBDA reviews the submission to determine whether the concern falls within the organization's grievance process and whether enough information has been provided.

  • 2. Additional Information

    NBDA may contact the person submitting the grievance for clarification or additional documentation.

  • 3. Review of Relevant Standards

    When appropriate, NBDA may review applicable policies, professional expectations, certification requirements, agreements, or the NBDA® Code of Ethics.

  • 4. Response From the Professional Involved

    When appropriate, the individual involved may be given an opportunity to provide information or respond to the concern.

  • 5. NBDA Review

    NBDA reviews the information available and determines the appropriate organizational next steps.

  • 6. Communication

    NBDA will communicate with the parties as appropriate regarding the status or conclusion of the review.

Please allow up to 30 days for the initial review process.

Some matters may require additional time because of the complexity of the concern, the need for additional documentation, or the availability of the individuals involved.

If additional time is needed, NBDA may provide an update when appropriate.

Important Information About the Grievance Process

Submitting a grievance does not guarantee a particular finding, disciplinary action, or outcome.

NBDA reviews concerns within the scope of its own programs, credentials, professional standards, agreements, and organizational relationships.

Many doulas and birth professionals affiliated with NBDA operate independent businesses.

The NBDA grievance process does not replace:
• Law enforcement
• Courts
• Hospitals or health systems
• Professional licensing boards
• Government agencies
• Employers
• Insurance companies
• Other regulatory or legal processes

NBDA does not use its grievance process to determine criminal or civil liability or to award financial damages.

Privacy During the Review Process

NBDA will handle grievance information with care and limit access to individuals who reasonably need the information to support the review.

However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

Information may need to be shared with the individual involved or other appropriate parties in order to understand and review the grievance.

Please submit only information that is relevant to the concern.

Emergency, Safety, or Legal Concerns

The NBDA grievance process is not an emergency-response service.

If you or another person is in immediate danger, contact 911 or the appropriate emergency service.

Concerns involving suspected criminal activity, abuse, threats, or matters requiring governmental or regulatory intervention should also be reported to the appropriate authority.

Submitting a grievance to NBDA does not replace any outside reporting obligation that may apply.

Ready to Submit?

Please complete the grievance form and provide as much relevant information as possible.

File A Grievance