INSURANCE/HEALTH: Modifies the Louisiana Doula Registry Board within the Louisiana Department of Health and provides for respective regulatory authority (EN +$2,495 FF EX See Note)

The board composition was restructured from a complex list of 14 specific regional and organizational representatives into a clearer structure of 14 members, including representatives from nine regions and specific designated organizations.

The definition of a 'doula' was updated to explicitly state that support is provided before, during, and after childbirth, ensuring the scope of services is clear.

A prefile notice was added to the beginning of the document, indicating the bill was filed under a specific constitutional article.

The document header and page numbering were updated to reflect the transition from an enrolled version to an original prefiled draft.

The total number of board members was reduced from fifteen to fourteen.

Board composition was restructured to include representatives from all nine geographic regions instead of the previous seven.

Two specific seats were designated for representatives from Sista Midwife Productions and Community Birth Companion.

The seat for a representative from an organization providing doula services in Region 7 was removed.

A new seat was created for a woman with lived experience of doula care at two or more births.

A new seat was created for a doula who has received lactation training.

The board membership structure was changed from a general list of seven individuals to specific representatives for each of the nine state regions, plus two additional members with lived experience.

New duties were added requiring the board to notify applicants of approval or denial and to maintain an official statewide registry.

The definition of a doula was restructured to clearly list the types of support provided (physical, emotional, educational) and explicitly exclude medical or midwifery care.