LEGISLATIVE GENERAL COUNSEL S.B. 85
6 Approved for Filing: C. Williams 6
6 01-10-24 2:45 PM 6
1 MEDICAID DOULA SERVICES
2 2024 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Chief Sponsor: Luz Escamilla
5 House Sponsor: ____________
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill authorizes the Medicaid program to cover doula services.
10 Highlighted Provisions:
11 This bill:
12 < defines terms;
13 < requires the Department of Health and Human Services (department) to apply for a
14 Medicaid state plan amendment authorizing coverage of doula services;
15 < requires the department to develop the state plan amendment in consultation with
16 certain stakeholders;
17 < requires the Medicaid program to cover doula services if the state plan amendment
18 is approved; and
19 < requires the department to establish training and registration requirements for
20 doulas providing services to Medicaid program enrollees.
21 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
22 None
23 Other Special Clauses:
24 None
25 Utah Code Sections Affected:
S.B. 85
26 ENACTS:
27 26B-3-229, Utah Code Annotated 1953
*SB0085*
 S.B. 85 01-10-24 2:45 PM
28
29 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
30 Section 1. Section 26B-3-229 is enacted to read:
31 26B-3-229. Doula services.
32 (1) As used in this section, "doula services" means non-medical advice, information,
33 emotional support, and physical comfort provided to an individual during the individual's
34 pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period.
35 (2) (a) Before October 1, 2024, the department shall apply for a Medicaid state plan
36 amendment to cover doula services.
37 (b) The department shall develop the state plan amendment in consultation with
38 individuals representing patients, doulas, physicians, nurses, and health care facilities in the
39 state.
40 (3) If the state plan amendment is approved, the Medicaid program shall provide
41 coverage of doula services.
42 (4) The department shall establish by rules made in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter
43 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, training and registration requirements for a doula
44 providing doula services to an enrollee.
45 Section 2. Effective date.
46 This bill takes effect on May 1, 2024.
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