The bill amends Chapter 40-8 of the General Laws by adding a new section, 40-8-33, which mandates Medicaid coverage for services provided by licensed certified lactation counselors. These counselors are defined as trained professionals who hold licensure and certification by the Department of Health in accordance with chapter 13.8 of title 23. They provide services in assessment, evaluation, problem identification, treatment, education, and consultation to offer lactation care and services to childbearing families and infants up to twelve months old.

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is required to provide coverage under the Medicaid program for services rendered by licensed certified lactation counselors, provided that such services are within the counselors' lawful scope of practice and are otherwise eligible for coverage under the Medicaid state plan or a waiver approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Reimbursement for services provided by licensed certified lactation counselors will be made in accordance with Medicaid reimbursement principles and methodologies applicable to other maternal and child health providers for comparable services. The bill specifies that no requirement for physician or other provider supervision, signature, or referral shall be imposed unless such a requirement is also imposed on other providers for the same service.

The EOHHS is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations necessary to implement this section, including credentialing and enrollment requirements for licensed certified lactation counselors participating as Medicaid providers. Additionally, on or before July 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, the EOHHS shall collect and maintain data on utilization and expenditures related to services provided by licensed certified lactation counselors to Medicaid beneficiaries.

Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the provisions of this section shall supersede and control over any conflicting or inconsistent laws, including general laws, special laws, or local laws, or any rule or regulation of the state. The act will take effect upon passage.