House Bill No. 514 proposes significant changes to the Louisiana Doula Registry Board, which is part of the Louisiana Department of Health. The bill eliminates previous legislative findings related to maternal and infant health statistics and instead emphasizes the board's purpose, composition, and responsibilities. Notable modifications include granting the board the authority to independently review and approve applications for doulas seeking health insurance reimbursement, as well as establishing administrative guidelines to ensure fairness and accessibility in the registration process. The board will consist of seven doulas from various geographic regions, including one individual with personal experience of birth under doula care, along with the Quality Initiatives Manager from the Department of Health.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the Louisiana Department of Health's role is strictly administrative, ensuring it does not override the board's authority in setting criteria or reviewing applications. The Department will provide administrative support to facilitate the registration process and ensure compliance with the board's guidelines. Members of the board will serve two-year terms with the possibility of reappointment and may be reimbursed for travel expenses. The bill also amends R.S. 22:1059.1 to require that all work performed by the staff of the Louisiana Department of Health aligns with the policies and procedures established by the board, reinforcing accountability and coherence in operations related to the board's directives.

Statutes affected:
HB514 Original: