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Committee approves measure to create doula certification verification, removes TennCare mandate
Summary
Senate Bill 44, which requires the Department of Health to issue a verification of certification for doulas based on advisory committee findings, was advanced with a finance amendment that removed a TennCare service mandate; the bill passed committee 8–3.
NASHVILLE — The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee on March 11 voted 8–3 to advance Senate Bill 44 as amended, directing the Department of Health to establish a verification process for doula certification and removing a TennCare requirement from the bill.
Senator Lamar explained the bill would require the Department of Health commissioner to use the doula advisory committee findings to establish, by rule, a process for issuing verification of certification to persons who demonstrate required knowledge of pregnancy and doula services. Senator Lamar moved a finance amendment that removes a TennCare mandate to provide doula services, leaving establishment of the verification process as the bill’s focus.
Committee members asked whether the program is budgeted. The sponsor and committee discussed a budget note appearing to show an approximate cost of $281,000; Senator Lamar and other members stated the verification/certification program is self-supporting. The sponsor noted TCA requirements that health-related boards be self-supporting over a two-year period and said costs would be covered by licensing or certification fees.
Senator Johnson asked whether the amendment changed TennCare’s posture; committee staff reported TennCare’s position as deferred with the amendment. The committee adopted the finance amendment and passed the bill with eight ayes and three noes.
Votes at a glance: SB 44 (as amended) recommended for passage to the calendar, recorded vote 8 ayes, 3 noes.
