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Committee hears bill to certify doulas, pave way for Medicaid coverage
Summary
Senate Bill 319 would create a voluntary state certification for doulas and authorize Montana Medicaid to reimburse certified doula services as part of a strategy to improve maternal and infant health outcomes across the state.
Senate Bill 319, introduced by Senator Newman, would establish voluntary state certification for doulas, set minimum training standards, and allow Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services to implement Medicaid reimbursement for state-certified doula services beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Proponents included a broad coalition of birth workers, nurses, public-health organizations, tribal representatives and social-service groups who said doulas improve birth outcomes, reduce cesarean rates and lower rates of postpartum mood disorders. Sherry Walker, a registered nurse and founding member of the Montana Doula Collaborative, described doulas as providing continuity of care and community-based support, especially in rural
