Hawaii House Bill HCR74

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Sunrise Review Of The Registration And Regulation Of Doulas.

Impact

The proposed resolution is significant as it aims to address the growing recognition of doulas in maternal care and their potential impact on improving health outcomes, particularly for underserved populations. With several states already implementing Medicaid reimbursement for doula services, Hawaii’s consideration of regulation signals a shift towards formalizing the role of doulas in the healthcare system, which could lead to better support for families during childbirth. The Auditor's findings could inform future legislation that may require licensing or regulatory measures for doulas.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 74 (HCR74) seeks to request an auditor to conduct a sunrise review of the registration and regulation of doulas in Hawaii. Doulas are trained professionals who provide non-medical support to individuals during childbirth, including emotional and informational assistance. This resolution underscores the need for regulatory oversight of doula services as the profession remains largely unregulated in the state, which leads to varying standards of care and practice among practitioners.

Contention

One potential point of contention may arise around the debates regarding the necessity of regulation in professions that traditionally operate outside of clinical settings. Advocates for regulation argue that it ensures safety and standardization, while opponents may argue for the importance of maintaining the informal, supportive nature of doula services without the burden of regulation. The outcome of the sunrise review will potentially shape the future landscape of maternal support services in Hawaii.