Committee weighs certification and Medicaid coverage for community-based perinatal doulas

The Vermont Senate Committee on Government Operations heard testimony on S.53 on Feb. 19, a bill that would establish a voluntary certification for community-based perinatal doulas under the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) and require the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) to seek Medicaid reimbursement for certified doulas during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and up to one year postpartum.

Committee sponsor Senator Martine Larocque Gulick, who introduced the bill, said doulas are nonclinical providers who offer continuous emotional, physical and informational support before, during and after birth and that the OPR sunrise review recommended certification rather than licensure or simple registration. “Doulas are really helpful in helping folks navigate the emotional and psychological stress of having a baby,” Senator Larocque Gulick said.

Supporters told the committee the proposal is intended to expand access to doula care for under-resourced and marginalized Vermonters and to create a pathway for Medicaid reimbursement. Jen Harvey of the Office of Legislative Counsel summarized last year’s Act 97, which directed OPR to conduct a sunrise study and directed DVHA to propose a reimbursement methodology and cost estimate. Harvey said DVHA’s budget submission indicates the state would need a Medicaid…