The short answer
Every badge on a provider's profile represents one specific, narrow claim we've reviewed — not a general endorsement of that provider. Below is exactly what each badge checks, how we check it, and, just as important, what it does not cover. We believe verification is only useful if its limits are stated plainly, so please read the "does not guarantee" column for each badge before treating it as a full safety assessment.
What each badge means
| Badge | What is checked | Method | What it does NOT guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCS Certification Verified | That the provider holds an active Newborn Care Specialist certification from a named issuing organization | Review of provider-submitted certificate/documentation; where feasible, cross-checked against the issuing organization | The provider's day-to-day skill, judgment, or fit for your family |
| Doula Certification Verified | That the provider holds an active postpartum doula certification from a named issuing organization | Review of provider-submitted certificate/documentation; where feasible, cross-checked against the issuing organization | The provider's approach, communication style, or compatibility with your household |
| RN License Verified | That the provider holds an active Registered Nurse license in the state(s) they claim | Review of the license number and status against the relevant state board of nursing | Clinical competence beyond what licensure itself represents, or specific newborn-care experience |
| LPN License Verified | That the provider holds an active Licensed Practical Nurse license in the state(s) they claim | Review of the license number and status against the relevant state board of nursing | Clinical competence beyond what licensure itself represents, or specific newborn-care experience |
| CPR/First Aid Current | That the provider holds a current (non-expired) CPR/First Aid certification | Review of provider-submitted certificate showing issuing body and expiration date | Recent hands-on emergency experience, or certification from every possible issuing body |
| Insurance Verified | That the provider has submitted documentation of liability insurance coverage | Review of provider-submitted policy documentation | Coverage terms, limits, or applicability to any specific incident — review the policy directly for details |
| Background Check Current | That the provider has submitted documentation showing a completed background check through a third-party provider, within the timeframe they represent | Review of provider-submitted documentation only — we do not run background checks ourselves in this phase | The scope, jurisdiction, or recency of the underlying check; it does not mean we independently screened the provider |
| Identity Verified | That the name and identity documentation the provider submitted are internally consistent | Review of provider-submitted identity documentation | That the provider is who they claim in every context, or a substitute for meeting them yourself |
Why we're explicit about limits
It would be easy to let a row of green badges imply more than they actually mean. We'd rather be direct: verification badges on this site reflect a documentation review of what a provider submitted, not an independent investigation we conducted from scratch (with the partial exception of RN/LPN licenses, which we check against the relevant state board). In particular, we do not run background checks on providers ourselves in this phase — the Background Check badge exists only to show that a provider has done that work through a third party and shared proof of it with us.
How to use badges responsibly
Treat badges as a useful starting filter, not a final answer. Use them to narrow your search to providers who've taken the extra step of documenting their credentials — then do the rest of the work yourself: interview candidates, check references, and for any medical-scope role, verify the license directly with the state board of nursing. Our guide to hiring overnight newborn care walks through that full process, including interview questions and a contract checklist. See also professional titles for how we define and enforce accurate role titles like "nurse."