INELDA Code of Ethics
The International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA) is committed to a set of responsible standards. INELDA encourages INELDA-practicing doulas to utilize these standards as a baseline for the practice of doula care and to act with integrity and work to do no harm. They are relevant for end-of-life doulas regardless of the populations they serve. These standards give the public and health care organizations an understanding of the principles and practices to hold the INELDA-practicing end-of-life doula accountable.
They will also help guide the end-of-life doula when uncertainties arise during their delivery of services to a dying person and their circle of care. Our code of ethics gives INELDA-practicing doulas a framework of how doulas comport themselves within their relationships with the dying person, their circle of care, the doula community, and the greater communities at large to ensure trust and responsibility.
This code of ethics is devised to be utilized when you are working independently (paid or pro bono) as a set of guiding principles, not a legal document that allows for protection. Following INELDA’s code of ethics does not imply employment or legal relationship to INELDA. It is important to note: If you are offering your services in a care facility, you must defer to the rules and regulations of the establishment.
Commitment to a Dying Person and Their Circle of Care
The doula’s commitment is to the entire unit of care, which involves the dying person and their self-identified circle of care. The doula’s primary commitment is to the dying person, and to support and recognize the dying person’s autonomy. The doula’s role may also include support for those in the circle of care. These principles are paramount when offering support:
Competence
- INELDA-practicing doulas agree to accept and perform those responsibilities and services which are determined by INELDA’s scope of practice and core competencies.
- They agree to limit their doula activities to those within the boundaries of their training and scope of practice.
Integrity
- INELDA-practicing doulas will treat all people with respect.
- Doulas will recognize the dignity, humanity, personal autonomy, choices, identity, and orientation to care for every individual they serve.
- Doulas will not exploit the relationship to promote their own personal, religious, political, sexual, or business interests.
Privacy and Confidentiality
- INELDA-practicing doulas will protect the privacy of the dying person and their chosen circle of care by guarding materials that contain personal or health-related information and refraining from talking about or sharing person-specific information in public.
- Doulas will maintain confidentiality unless permission to disclose that information is granted by the dying person or by the legally authorized agent to consent on their behalf.
- In an effort of transparency and care, doulas will openly discuss the nature of confidentiality and notify any breach of confidentiality in a timely manner.
Conflicts of Interest
- INELDA-practicing doulas maintain personal boundaries to limit conflicts of interest that might interfere with their role as an impartial, nonjudgmental companion, support, and guide through the dying process.
- In the event the role of doula is unable to be ethically sustained or the dying person/circle of care wants to terminate the relationship for any reason, this may require referrals to another impartial doula, possibly a more experienced provider, or an end-of-life clinician.
- Doulas will avoid offering dual services to the dying person and their circle of care to prevent boundary confusion and possible harm.
Financial Transparency
- INELDA-practicing doulas are committed to explaining fee structures in their contracts when offering their services.
- INELDA-practicing doulas will not solicit the dying person or their circle of care in any way that would involve payment for services or products beyond their function or role as an EOL doula.
- Any services offered outside of the original scope of the contract are required to be renegotiated by all parties so that the new agreement is fair and representative of the services being provided.
Legal Compliance
- INELDA-practicing doulas agree to know and understand the federal and state laws that apply to their area of practice.
- INELDA-practicing doulas who witness the abuse of a child, adults, elderly persons, dependent adults, and adults with disabilities will report to adult protective services or the proper authorities.
- Any doulas who witness fraud or deception during their time with the dying person and their circle of care will report to adult protective services or the proper authorities.
Equality and Discrimination
- INELDA-practicing doulas do not condone or engage in discrimination when providing services to all, regardless of age, culture, disability, immigration status, race, religion and spirituality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, language preference, lifestyle, religion, national origin, marital/partnership status, political belief, mental or physical disability, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law.