Committee signals support for doula certification bill, flags fees and terminology

A subcommittee of the Government Operations & Military Affairs committee informally endorsed language for a voluntary doula certification intended to allow doulas to seek Medicaid reimbursement, while raising questions about registration fees and the proposed title "community based perinatal doula." The group asked that the bill be forwarded to the House Health committee for further consideration.

The measure would create an optional certification or registration track for doulas who wish to bill Medicaid. A practicing doula who spoke at the meeting said the profession is "not a very lucrative line of work to begin with," and argued scholarships or employer-supported programs could offset any registration costs: "...the Doula Association hopes to offer scholarships, so that it can cover the cost of that." (Practicing doula)

The committee’s interest in the draft stemmed in part from letters of support discussed at the table, including from the Secretary of State's office and a doula association, and from examples of local pilots. Committee members cited a Washington County Mental Health program that used grants to pay doulas and provide free services as an example of how reimbursement and program models might expand access if Medicaid billing becomes available.

Committee members discussed two practical concerns: whether registration or certification fees would deter existing community doulas from participating, and whether the label "community based perinatal doula" would be clear to the public. One committee member said, "I do not like the community based perinatal doula title. I wish that it could be something different," and worried that the term might not be readily understood by people seeking services. (Committee member)

Supporters emphasized that participation in the certification would be voluntary and that doulas who do not seek Medicaid reimbursement could continue practicing without registering. As the practicing doula explained, different service models could emerge if Medicaid billing is permitted: agencies or programs might hire doulas directly, cover registration costs, and manage the Medicaid billing process, which an individual doula could find cumbersome.

The committee discussed the role of the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) in designing terminology and scope, noting OPR guidance led to creation of a distinct title to avoid confusion with existing certifications from various doula organizations. Committee members also noted that the draft language intends to preserve existing private certifications so providers certified by recognized organizations would not lose their ability to state they are certified.

To register support and test consensus, the committee conducted a straw poll and the chair said the tally supported advancing the language; the group directed that the draft be shared with House Health for continued work. The motion was informal and described as a straw poll rather than a formal committee vote.

The meeting record shows the committee circled back to this conversation from a prior session and used the time to address wording, implementation concerns, and next steps. Committee members asked staff and stakeholders to review fee structures and consider clearer public terminology before the House Health committee takes up the draft.