summary
Introduced
11/24/2025
11/24/2025
In Committee
12/03/2025
12/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to the Doula Support for Healthy Births pilot program; creating s. 383.295, F.S.; defining terms; establishing the pilot program in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties for a specified purpose; providing the purpose of the pilot program; requiring the Department of Health, in collaboration with its maternal and child health section, to implement and oversee the pilot program; specifying the duration of the pilot program, subject to funding; requiring the pilot program to target specified populations for enrollment; specifying services that must be provided under the pilot program; requiring the department to collaborate with specified entities to integrate doula services into existing maternal health programs and facilitate outreach and service delivery; authorizing the department to integrate doula services into existing maternal and child health programs as an expansion of the pilot program, subject to certain requirements; providing for funding of the pilot program; creating the Doula Certification Task Force within the department for a specified purpose; requiring the department to oversee and provide administrative support to the task force; providing for membership hb515-00 and meetings of the task force; specifying duties of the task force; requiring the task force to submit a final report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by a specified date; providing for expiration of the task force; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a Doula Support for Healthy Births pilot program in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties, designed to integrate doula services into existing maternal health initiatives with a specific focus on pregnant and postpartum women who have overcome or are overcoming substance use disorders. The program aims to improve birth outcomes by reducing preterm birth rates and cesarean deliveries, and will be implemented by the Department of Health for 12 to 24 months, subject to funding. The pilot program will provide comprehensive support services including prenatal education, labor support, postpartum assistance, and advocacy, with doulas meeting specific training and competency criteria. Alongside the program, a Doula Certification Task Force will be created to review doula service practices, establish core competencies, and recommend minimum certification standards, with nine members appointed by state leadership. The task force will submit a final report by January 1, 2028, and is set to expire on October 2, 2029. Funding will come from the Closing the Gap grant program, with the department also seeking additional federal funds, and the program is specifically designed to address Florida's higher-than-national-average rates of preterm birth, infant mortality, and maternal mortality.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
1st Reading (Original Filed Version) (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/515 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/515/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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