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 702 Original 2024 Regular Session Willard
Abstract: Requires Medicaid coverage for doula services.
Proposed law provides legislative findings that list leading professional societies that recognize the
well-established benefits of doula services and the research that demonstrates the benefits of doula
support.
Proposed law defines "doula" and "doula treatment or care".
Proposed law requires any Medicaid coverage plan delivered or issued for delivery in this state that
provides benefits for maternity services to provide coverage for services provided by a doula before,
during, and after childbirth.
Proposed law provides that the Medicaid coverage may also be subject to a minimum service rate
per pregnancy of $1,250.
Proposed law provides that the doula services shall include but not be limited to all of the following:
(1)Support and assistance during labor and childbirth.
(2)Prenatal and postpartum support and education.
(3) Breastfeeding assistance and lactation support.
(4)Parenting education.
(5)Support for a birthing person after the loss of a pregnancy.
Proposed law provides that, at a minimum, each Medicaid plan must comply with the provisions of
proposed law and provide coverage for the following services:
(1)3 prenatal visits for up to 90 minutes.
(2)3 postpartum visits for up to 90 minutes.
(3)Assistance and attendance during labor and birth. Proposed law allows a doula to opt to practice in this state and forego any eligible reimbursement
via Medicaid.
Proposed law provides that doulas opting in for reimbursement via a health coverage plan must have
approved registration with the La. Doula Registry Board.
Proposed law requires all doulas with approved registration with the La. Doula Registry Board to
have acceptance as a provider of such services with all state Medicaid plans.
Proposed law prohibits any Medicaid plan or contract that contains discriminatory terminology
against doulas and doula services.
Proposed law provides that the provisions of proposed law are applicable to any new policy, contract,
program, or Medicaid plan issued on and after Aug. 1, 2024. Proposed law further provides that any
policy, contract, or Medicaid plan in effect prior to Aug. 1, 2024 shall be converted to conform to
the provisions of proposed law on or before the renewal date, but no later than Jan. 1, 2025.
Proposed law requires the Medicaid program in this state to cover inpatient and, if deemed
appropriate, outpatient coverage for doula treatment or care when such care or treatment, is used for
a medically accepted indication, and administered in any healthcare facility by any healthcare
professional appropriately licensed in this state to provide such medical treatment or care in
accordance with state and federal provisions.
Proposed law provides that the eligibility of a prospective enrollee shall be determined by the
healthcare facility appropriately providing doula treatment or care as provided in proposed law.
Proposed law establishes certain requirements for the secretary of LDH in compliance with proposed
law.
(Adds R.S. 46:977.32-977.34)