Bill > SB692

This bill creates a comprehensive framework to support perinatal services in Oregon, focusing on expanding access to doulas, lactation counselors, and lactation educators. Specifically, the Oregon Health Authority will establish a community-based perinatal services access program that issues grants to eligible entities like culturally specific organizations, tribes, nonprofits, and businesses to support activities that increase access to culturally competent perinatal services. Grants can be used for training, wages, outreach, recruitment, and technical assistance for providers. The bill defines doulas as trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. It requires coordinated care organizations and health benefit plans to provide coverage for doula, lactation counselor, and lactation educator services, including a minimum of 24 hours of services in addition to labor and delivery, with the option to approve additional hours based on need. The bill also mandates periodic reviews of reimbursement rates for these services, aiming to ensure financial sustainability and access to culturally specific providers. Additionally, the bill establishes a Community-Based Perinatal Services Access Fund and requires reporting on the status of doulas in the state, including information about claims, workforce demographics, and birth outcomes.

Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB692