Bill > HB890

This bill creates a new legal provision for doula services in Missouri by establishing a registration and health insurance reimbursement framework. The bill defines a doula as a trained individual who provides physical, emotional, and educational support to pregnant and birthing women and their families, but does not provide medical or midwifery care. The Department of Health and Senior Services will be responsible for creating and managing a doula registration process, which includes developing application criteria, reviewing and approving applications, maintaining a statewide registry of approved doulas, and notifying applicants of their registration status. The department is required to consult with organizations like the Missouri Community Doula Council when developing the registration criteria. Importantly, the bill specifies that individuals can still practice as doulas in Missouri even if they are not registered under this new system. The legislation also requires the department to create rules and regulations for implementing the registration process, with provisions ensuring that any new rules comply with existing state administrative rulemaking procedures. The overall goal of the bill appears to be improving access to and recognition of doula services while creating a standardized pathway for health insurance reimbursement.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB890&year=2025&code=R