SSHB190 3264 3573
HOUSE SUMMARY OF SENATE AMENDMENTS
HB 190 2021 Regular Session Willard
INSURANCE/HEALTH: Provides relative to maternity services of midwives and doulas
Synopsis of Senate Amendments
1.Adds the definition of "doula".
Digest of Bill as Finally Passed by Senate
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 entitles the insured or other beneficiary of benefits under the health coverage
plan to reimbursement for services within the lawful scope of practice of a midwife as
defined in law. Defines "health coverage plan", "midwife", and "doula".
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 creates the Louisiana Doula Registry board (doula registry board), outlines
legislative findings, and details the board’s purpose, composition, and duties. Requires the
board 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 requires regional representatives of the board to be appointed from the regions
specified on a certain map provided by LDH. Requires LDH to promulgate administrative
rules in accordance with the APA to implement the provisions necessary for the doula
registry board. Further requires LDH to provide support staff to the doula registry board.
Proposed law authorizes a doula to practice in this state, regardless of whether the doula is
registered with the board.
Proposed law requires a policy, contract, or health coverage plan to convert to the provisions
of proposed law by Jan. 1, 2023.
Effective Jan. 1, 2022.
(Adds R.S. 22:1059 and 1059.1)
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