The bill S.53 aims to establish a voluntary certification process for community-based perinatal doulas in Vermont and mandates Medicaid coverage for doula services during labor, birth, and the prenatal and postpartum periods. It introduces a new chapter (26 V.S.A. chapter 84) that defines key terms related to community-based perinatal doulas, outlines the duties of the Director of the Office of Professional Regulation, and sets forth eligibility requirements for certification. The bill also includes provisions for penalties related to the misuse of certification titles and establishes a fee structure for applications and renewals specific to community-based perinatal doulas.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to include community-based perinatal doulas under the Office of Professional Regulation and outlines the reimbursement process for doula services under Medicaid. It specifies that the Department of Vermont Health Access will reimburse certified doulas for their services, excluding travel time and mileage. The bill also expresses the intent of the General Assembly to ensure that reimbursement rates are reasonable and consistent with those of other states. The certification program and Medicaid coverage provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, contingent upon necessary rulemaking and state plan amendments.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3-122, 3-123(j), 3-123, 3-125