On June 11, 2021, Governor Edwards signed Act 182–House Bill 190–requiring the establishment of a doula registry board.
Summary
Act 182 (Act) addresses a variety of insurance midwifery and doula issues related to insurance coverage of maternity services. With regard to doulas, the Act defines “doula” and creates the “Louisiana Doula Registry Board” (board). After outlining a variety of legislative findings, the Act details the boards purpose as reviewing and approving doula registration to allow for health insurance reimbursement. The Act also directs the board to establish criteria for registration and maintain a statewide registry of doulas.
The bill does not create a doula benefit under the state Medicaid program which means that even if registered a doula would not yet be able to be reimbursed for services provided to a Medicaid member.
The bill became effective January 1, 2022.
Official Resources
News Articles Related to Enacted Law
Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies, Louisiana Legislative Wins & Black Maternal Mental Health Week
WWNO–New Orleans Public Radio, How Women’s Health Fared During This Year’s Legislative Session (June 17, 2021)
Sequim Gazette, Washington State Lawmakers Seek to Professionalize Birth-care Doulas (February 17, 2022)