Bill > HB0295

This bill amends Tennessee law to establish a process for certifying and recognizing doula services within the state's healthcare system. Specifically, the legislation adds doula services to the list of medical assistance services covered under TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program), provided the doula has received a verification of certification from the Department of Health. The bill defines doula services as continuous emotional and physical support throughout labor, birth, and intermittently during prenatal and postpartum periods. The Department of Health will create a certification process that requires doulas to demonstrate competency in several key areas, including understanding pregnancy and childbirth anatomy, providing emotional support, employing labor coping strategies, facilitating communication between clients and healthcare providers, and knowing community resources. Doulas must complete a training program recognized by the commissioner of health and prove their ability to meet specific professional competencies. The bill will take effect immediately for rule-making purposes, with full implementation scheduled for July 1, 2025, aiming to improve maternal and infant support services in Tennessee by formally recognizing and integrating doula services into the state's healthcare framework.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0295&ga=114