The bill amends and reenacts R.S. 22:1059.1 to establish the Louisiana Doula Registry Board within the Louisiana Department of Health. It outlines the board's composition, which will now consist of fourteen members, including nine doulas from each of Louisiana's geographic regions, a woman with lived experience of birth under doula care, and representatives from various organizations. The board is tasked with reviewing and approving doula registration applications to facilitate health insurance reimbursement for doula services, thereby promoting safe and equitable care for mothers and their families.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the administrative staff that will support the doula registry board, detailing their responsibilities in facilitating the registration process and processing applications. The Louisiana Department of Health is also given the authority to promulgate rules necessary for implementing the provisions of this section. The bill emphasizes that practicing as a doula in Louisiana is not contingent upon registration with the board, ensuring that individuals can still provide support regardless of their registration status.

Statutes affected:
HB514 Original:
HB514 Engrossed:
HB514 Reengrossed:
HB514 Enrolled:
HB514 Act 287: