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 272 Original 2023 Regular Session Willard
Abstract: Requires health insurance coverage for maternity support services provided by a doula.
Proposed law affirms a doula as an individual who is trained to provide physical, emotional, and
educational support, but not medical or midwifery care, to pregnant and birthing women and their
families before, during, and after childbirth.
Proposed law outlines legislative findings with respect to doulas. Affirms the state of La. as a state
with one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the U.S. Further affirms that the state
of La. has a compelling interest and obligation to promote practices that improve maternal and infant
health outcomes.
Proposed law requires a health coverage plan delivered or issued for delivery in this state that
provides benefits for maternity services to include coverage for maternity support services provided
by a doula before, during, and after childbirth. Further provides that such coverage may be subject
to annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment provisions as are consistent with those
established under the health coverage plan.
Proposed law prohibits a health coverage plan from prescribing coverage requirements for maternity
support services of a doula that preclude a doula from practice in this state. Authorizes a doula to
practice in this state while foregoing eligible reimbursement via a health coverage plan; however,
proposed law requires a doula opting for reimbursement via a health coverage plan to have approved
registration with the La. Doula Registry Board.
Proposed law prohibits terminology in any health coverage plan or contract deemed discriminatory
against doulas and maternity support services provided by doulas. Further provides that such
terminology is void and unenforceable.
Proposed law defines "doula", "health coverage plan", and "maternity support services".
Proposed law applies to a policy, contract, or health coverage plan issued on and after Jan. 1, 2024
and requires a current policy, contract, or plan to convert to the provisions of proposed law by Jan.
1, 2024.
Present law (R.S. 22:1059.2) requires a health coverage plan to provide inpatient and outpatient
coverage benefits for up to 2 months for medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk under
certain conditions. Proposed law redesignates the citation of present law from R.S. 22:1059.2 to R.S. 22:1059.3 and otherwise retains present law.
(Amends R.S. 22:1059.2; Adds R.S. 22:1059.3)