Health Care - As introduced, adds doula services performed by a person with a verification of certification to the list of services that may be provided as medical assistance under the TennCare program; directs the department of health to establish by rule a process for the verification of certification to a person who demonstrates that the person has completed a doula training program that meets certain requirements. - Amends TCA Title 63 and Title 71.
SB 44 adds doula services to TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid program, making coverage available for certified doulas who provide continuous emotional and physical support during labor, birth, and postpartum care. It directly affects low-income pregnant people in Tennessee who may now access doula support through TennCare. The bill requires the Department of Health to establish a certification verification process for doulas who complete approved training programs meeting specific standards, including knowledge of anatomy, support strategies, and community resources. This process will verify doulas' qualifications before they can provide services covered under TennCare.
Bill status
passed both
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Governor
Introduced Jan 14, 2025
Last action Mar 24, 2025
Floor votes · Senate Mar 20, 2025
How they voted
27–6
Passed
Total votes 33
Mar 20, 2025
D
Democratic6
100% Yea
R
Republican27
77% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
15
Key actions
6
Committee
5
Mar 20, 2025
Lower · Passed
Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 2 - SA0081)
lower
Mar 20, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 22, Nays 5
upper
Mar 11, 2025
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 3 PNV 0
upper
Mar 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 3/11/2025
lower
Feb 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee Ayes 7, Nays 0 PNV 2
upper
Feb 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 2/19/2025
lower
Jan 15, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Health and Welfare Committee
upper
Jan 14, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
London Lamar
DDemocratic
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