Bill > HB2423

This bill amends the Illinois Public Aid Code to improve maternal healthcare by requiring hospitals and birthing centers with licensed obstetric beds to adopt policies allowing Medicaid-enrolled patients to have a certified doula of their choice present during labor and childbirth. Within six months of the bill's passage, these facilities must create written procedures permitting doulas to support patients before, during, and after childbirth, and these doulas will not count against guest quotas or support person limits. Facilities must also post their doula policies on their websites, including contact information for doula organizations. The bill clarifies that doulas cannot access patients in ways inconsistent with medical standards and does not expand hospital malpractice liability. Additionally, the bill allows the Departments of Healthcare and Family Services and Public Health to establish recommendations to meet federal Medicaid requirements and ensure access to preventive maternal and reproductive health services, such as doulas, lactation consultants, home visitors, and community health workers. A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth, with the goal of improving birth outcomes and maternal experiences.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2423&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104