The bill aims to revise existing laws related to doulas by transitioning from a system of certification to one of licensure and regulation. It establishes licensure requirements for doulas, which will take effect on January 1, 2027. Under the new framework, individuals must be licensed by the Department of Labor and Industry to practice as doulas, which includes submitting an application, completing required competencies, and adhering to professional conduct standards. The bill also allows for the issuance of limited licenses for individuals engaged in supervised professional experience. Additionally, it clarifies the definition of a doula and specifies that traditional healing providers are not included in this definition.

Furthermore, the bill enables the Department of Public Health and Human Services to provide Medicaid coverage for licensed doula services, thereby expanding access to these services for eligible individuals. It amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to incorporate these changes and includes provisions for rulemaking to implement the new licensure system. The act is set to terminate on December 31, 2030, and includes a transition period for unlicensed doulas to obtain licensure based on their prior experience.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_1(1): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_1(2): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_1(3): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_1(4): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_1(5): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_1(6): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_1(7): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_1(8): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_1: 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_2(1): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_2(10): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_2(2): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_2(3): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_2(4): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_2(5): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_2(6): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_2(7): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_2(8): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_2(9): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_2: 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_3(1): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_3(2): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_3(3): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_3(4): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_3(5): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_3(6): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_3(7): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_3(8): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_3: 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_4(1): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_4(2): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_4(3): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_4: 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_X(1): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_X(10): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_X(2): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_X(3): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_X(4): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_X(5): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_X(6): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_X(7): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_X(8): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_X(9): 37-1-401, 53-6-101
SB0319_X: 37-1-401, 53-6-101