Committee approves audit to analyze lactation consultant licensure and Medicaid billing options

The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services passed SCR14 SR10 with amendments to request a summarized analysis of lactation consultant licensure and options to bill for services, including for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Elizabeth Larrabee, testifying for Lactation LLC, said the sector has worked for years to build capacity and attempts to add International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) to Medicaid coverage have not yet succeeded. Larrabee said, "the return on investment for lactation care is significant for most families," and told the committee that most families require about two visits and that coverage could reduce later health-care costs.

Supporters told the committee they believe there are about 100 IBCLCs in the state and asked the committee to authorize an audit to assess cost‑effectiveness and billing pathways. The committee approved amendments that insert a reference number (317) in previously blank bill citations and make technical, non‑substantive edits for clarity and consistency.

The chair called the recommendation to pass with amendments; the chair and vice chair voted aye, the committee recorded the absence of Senator Fevella as excused, and the recommendation was adopted. The committee did not specify a funding amount for any follow-up work; staff said the measure would be amended for clarity and forwarded per the committee’s action.

Proponents said ensuring Medicaid billing options and network adequacy for IBCLCs could increase access for nursing parents on Medicaid and yield downstream savings in health care costs; the committee directed technical amendments and approved the summarized analysis request.