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 Reengrossed 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 to pregnant and birthing women before, during, and after childbirth.
Proposed law provides that the coverage may be subject to annual deductibles, coinsurance, and
copayment provisions as are consistent with those established under the health coverage plan.
Further provides that such coverage may also be subject to a limit of $1,500 per pregnancy.
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 authorizes a health insurance issuer or health coverage plan to establish additional
credentialing standards for contracting with doulas.
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, 2025.
Present law (R.S. 22:1059.2) requires a health coverage plan to provide inpatient and outpatient
coverage benefits for up to two 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) Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Insurance to the original bill:
1. Create consistency with current proposed law.
2. Add that coverage may also be subject to an annual limit of $1,500.
3. Add that a health insurance issuer or health coverage plan may establish additional
credentialing standards for contracting with doulas.
4. Change the year from 2024 to 2025 for which a current policy, contract, or plan is
required to convert to the requirements of proposed law.
The House Floor amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Remove language to specify that coverage applies to maternity support services provided
by doulas to pregnant and birthing women.
2. Modify to authorize a coverage limit of $1,500 per pregnancy.