RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 182 (HB 190) 2021 Regular Session Willard
New law defines "health coverage plan", "midwife", and "doula".
New law outlines legislative findings with respect to midwives and midwifery.
New 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 midwife, subject to annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment provisions as are
consistent with those established under the health coverage plan.
New 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.
New 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.
New law prohibits terminology in any health coverage plan policy or contract deemed
discriminatory against midwives or the practice of midwifery. Further prohibits terminology
that inhibits reimbursement for midwifery services at the in-network rate.
New 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.
New 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.
Further authorizes a doula to practice in this state regardless of whether the doula is
registered with the board.
New law requires regional representatives of the board to be appointed from the regions
specified on a certain map provided by the La. Dept. of Health (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.
New law requires a policy, contract, or health coverage plan to convert to the provisions of
new law by Jan. 1, 2023.
Effective January 1, 2022.
(Adds R.S. 22:1059 and 1059.1)