Bill > HB5826

This bill establishes a doula scholarship program, administered by the department of health and human services, to help individuals become doulas, which are individuals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and shortly after childbirth. The program will award scholarships to cover eligible costs of doula training, such as books, workshop fees, and examination fees, to individuals who demonstrate financial hardship, intend to become a doula in Michigan, and commit to serving in areas with a shortage of health professionals or medically underserved populations. Scholarships are capped at $3,000 per individual and can only be received once, with recipients required to be working towards or have completed their doula training and be actively serving as a doula within six months of receiving the award, or they may be required to repay the scholarship. A dedicated "doula scholarship fund" is created within the state treasury to hold and invest money for these scholarships, with any remaining funds carrying over to the next fiscal year.