Bill > A4944

Introduced Session

The bill requires the Department of Human Services (the DHS) to conduct a public awareness campaign to inform women and birthing persons about the benefits of health care services provided by certified doulas and licensed midwives, and the availability of NJ FamilyCare coverage for doula and midwife services. The public awareness campaign will encompass both print and electronic media. The public awareness campaign will include information concerning: (1) the person-centered care and supportive services that doulas and midwives provide for both birthing persons and infants over the prenatal, birthing, and postpartum periods; (2) the culturally competent nature of the care and services available from doulas and midwives; (3) the continuum of well-woman care delivered by midwives; (4) the health benefits and improved maternal and infant health outcomes resulting from doula and midwife care; and (5) the availability of NJ FamilyCare coverage for doula and midwife services for pregnant, birthing, and postpartum enrollees, and coverage for midwife care and services across the lifespan of women enrolled in NJ FamilyCare. Under the bill, the DHS will provide, in an easily accessible location on its website, information concerning the types of care and services furnished by doulas and midwives, the health benefits associated with the doula and midwife care, and the availability of NJ FamilyCare coverage for doula and midwife services. The DHS website will also include a directory of doulas and midwives who are approved NJ FamilyCare providers, and information on the NJ FamilyCare managed care plans in which each doula and midwife participates. The DHS, at a minimum, will update the information in the directory annually.

Committee Categories

Carmen Morales (D)*,  Shanique Speight (D)*,  Lisa Swain (D)*,  Reginald Atkins (D),  Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D), 

Combined with A4222 (ACS) (on 03/20/2025)

Official Document