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Senate bill would license doulas, allow Medicaid coverage; stakeholders back amended licensing bill
Summary
Senate Bill 319 (amended) would establish licensing for doulas in Montana and permit DPHHS to allow Medicaid coverage for licensed doula services; proponents argued licensure would improve access and maternal outcomes, while the Department of Labor and Industry offered technical amendments and withdrew objection if the amendments were adopted.
Senator Cora Newman opened the hearing on Senate Bill 319, an amended bill that would establish a licensing framework for doulas and authorize the Department of Public Health and Human Services to provide Medicaid coverage for licensed doula services. Newman — who said she is a trained postpartum doula — told the committee doula care is associated with reductions in preterm birth, cesarean rates and postpartum anxiety and depression.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies’ Stephanie Morton testified that doulas help bridge gaps in perinatal care, especially in rural areas designated as maternity care deserts. "Doulas provide an essential bridge to care that can…
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