This bill amends and reenacts R.S. 22:1059.1 to enhance the structure and function of the Louisiana Doula Registry Board. Key changes include the expansion of the board's composition from a limited number of representatives to a total of fourteen members, which now includes 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 bill also establishes that the board will be responsible for reviewing and approving doula registration applications to facilitate health insurance reimbursement for doula services, and it outlines the board's authority to create guidelines for the registration process.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the role of the Louisiana Department of Health in supporting the doula registry board by providing administrative staff and logistical support. It mandates that the department promulgate necessary rules to implement the provisions of the bill and specifies that the doula registry board will hold quarterly public meetings. The bill ensures that while registration is encouraged for reimbursement purposes, it does not prohibit individuals from practicing as doulas regardless of their registration status.

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