Committee approves technical fix to doula coverage (SB 1568) and advances measure to the floor

The committee opened a work session on SB 1568, described as a technical fix to the 2025 doula bill (SB 692). Dana Hepper of the Children’s Institute said the amendment restores the original, narrower definition of doulas intended in SB 692, limiting coverage to the perinatal period (prenatal, labor and delivery, and up to the first year postpartum), and clarifies that the benefit does not expand coverage for end‑of‑life or "death doulas." Hepper said Medicaid and private insurers already cover certain doula services established in SB 692 and that the amendment reduces confusion about what insurers must cover.

Committee members asked whether doula services duplicate other supports; Hepper said supports such as home‑visit programs and registered nurse family‑connect visits are complementary and that doulas provide peer and continuity support that is distinct from clinical visits. Hepper also described administrative details: doulas must complete approved training and register with the Oregon Health Authority to be eligible for insurance coverage, the base level of coverage established previously includes up to 12 postpartum visits and birth support, and private insurers negotiated a benefit cap (cited in committee discussion as $3,760) as part of the 2025 compromise.

Senator Anderson moved to adopt the -2 amendment dated Feb. 10, 2026; the roll call vote adopted the amendment. The committee then moved SB 1568 as amended to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation; the roll call recorded four ayes and one no and the motion passed. Chair Reynolds said she will carry the bill to the floor.

The committee closed the work session on SB 1568 and carried over remaining AI bill drafting to the afternoon.