DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 190 Engrossed 2021 Regular Session Willard
Abstract: Provides for health insurance coverage for maternity services provided by certified nurse
midwives, certified professional midwives, and doulas.
Proposed law requires any health coverage plan delivered or issued for delivery in this state that
provides benefits for maternity services to include coverage for healthcare services provided by a
certified midwife, subject to annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment provisions as are
consistent with those established under the health coverage plan.
Proposed law provides that the insured or other person entitled to benefits under the health coverage
plan is entitled to reimbursement for services within the lawful scope of practice of a midwife as
defined in law.
Proposed law prohibits a health coverage plan from differentiating between services performed by
midwives and physicians with respect to copayments, annual deductible amounts, or coinsurance
percentages.
Proposed law prohibits terminology in any health coverage plan policy or contract deemed
discriminatory against certified nurse midwives, certified professional midwives, and the practice
of midwifery. Further prohibits terminology that inhibits reimbursement for midwifery services at
the in-network rate.
Proposed law defines "health coverage plan", "midwife", "doula", "department", "Medicaid", and
"Medicare".
Proposed law creates the Louisiana Doula Registry board (doula registry board), outlines legislative
findings, and details the board’s purpose, composition, and duties. Requires board membership to
include certain members who represent all areas of the state, and members who are part of
organizations relative to doula practice or who demonstrate work rooted in community, health equity,
and training practices. Further authorizes the doula registry board to create subcommittees
composed of certain persons who may not be board members or voting members.
Proposed law requires the doula registry board to review applications for doulas registering to
receive health insurance reimbursement in the state of La., approve or deny such applications, notify
applicants of approval or denial of doula registration status, and maintain a statewide registry of
doulas approved for health insurance reimbursement in this state. Proposed law authorizes a doula to practice in this state, regardless of whether the doula is registered
with the board. Further requires LDH to provide support staff to the doula registry board.
Proposed law requires LDH to promulgate all such administrative rules as are necessary to
implement the provisions of proposed law concerning provider rates for midwives.
Proposed law (R.S. 22:1059 and 1059.1) becomes effective Jan. 1, 2022.
Proposed law changes the effective date for when a policy, contract, or health coverage shall convert
to the provisions of proposed law from Jan. 1, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023.
(Adds R.S. 22:1059 and 1059.1 and R.S. 40:1244.1 and 1244.2)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Insurance to the original bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Prohibit a health coverage plan from differentiating between services performed by
midwives and physicians with respect to copayments, annual deductible amounts, or
coinsurance percentages.
3. Remove certain language regarding discrimination of services between midwives and
physicians.
4. Create the Louisiana Doula Registry board, outline legislative findings, and detail the
board’s purpose, composition, and duties. Authorize a doula to practice in this state,
regardless of whether the doula is registered with the board. Further require the La.
Department of Health to provide support staff to the doula registry board.
5. Change the effective date for when a policy, contract, or health coverage plan shall
convert to the provisions of proposed law from Jan. 1, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023.