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House advances bill to certify community-based perinatal doulas and seek Medicaid coverage
Summary
The Vermont House proposed amendments and ordered third reading of S.53, a bill creating certification for community-based perinatal doulas and directing the Department of Vermont Health Access to seek Medicaid reimbursement under a state plan amendment, with an initial reimbursement methodology and modest administrative costs noted.
The House proposed to the Senate amendments and ordered third reading of S.53 on a vote of the body after committee reports and floor debate. S.53 would create a statutory category of "certified community-based perinatal doulas," require certification under the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), and establish a Medicaid reimbursement methodology for doula services contingent on federal approval.
The bill directs OPR to develop a certification program for community-based doulas, including rulemaking, appointment of experienced doulas as advisers, and use of an external certifying body. According to the bill text and committee summaries, certification will be required for doulas who seek Medicaid reimbursement; doulas may continue to practice without certification but would not be eligible for Medicaid payment.
The House Health Care Committee described evidence presented during its review linking doula support to reduced cesarean and preterm…
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