Relating to: reimbursement for doula services under the Medical Assistance program, doulas accompanying Medical Assistance recipients in hospitals and birthing centers, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

SB 1108 establishes a framework for reimbursing certified doulas under the Medical Assistance program and requires hospitals and birthing centers to allow these doulas to accompany patients during labor and childbirth. The bill defines a certified doula as someone certified by a department-recognized organization and authorizes the state to seek federal waivers to cover doula services for pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum support. It mandates that healthcare facilities adopt policies permitting Medical Assistance recipients to have a doula of their choice present, while exempting doulas from facility guest quotas and requiring hospitals to publish relevant policies online. The legislation also includes liability protections for hospitals and requires doulas to provide written proof of certification when requested by healthcare facilities.