Louisiana § RS 46:977.42 - Definitions; health coverage; policy provisions

§ RS 46:977.42. Definitions; health coverage; policy provisions

            A. For purposes of this Section, the following definitions apply:

            (1) "Doula" means an individual who has been trained to provide physical, emotional, and educational support, but not medical or midwifery care, to pregnant and birthing women and their families before, during, and after childbirth.

            (2) "Doula treatment or care" means any maternal healthcare services rendered by a registered doula in this state.

            B. Any Medicaid coverage plan delivered or issued for delivery in this state that provides benefits for maternity services shall include coverage for services provided by a doula before, during, and after childbirth as provided in R.S. 46:977.43. The coverage scope of services and rates shall be determined by the Louisiana Department of Health using market benchmarks and comparisons to similar state rates.

            C. Doula services shall include but not be limited to all the following:

            (1) Support and assistance during labor and childbirth.

            (2) Prenatal and postpartum support and education.

            (3) Breastfeeding assistance and lactation support.

            (4) Parenting education.

            (5) Support for a birthing woman after the loss of a pregnancy.

            D. At minimum, each Medicaid plan shall comply with the provisions in R.S. 40:977.43 and provide coverage for all of the following services:

            (1) Five prenatal visits for up to ninety minutes.

            (2) Three postpartum visits for up to ninety minutes.

            (3) Assistance and attendance during labor and birth including cesarean deliveries.

            E.(1) The requirements established by Medicaid managed care plans to ensure the services provided by a doula before, during, and after childbirth shall not be construed to preclude a doula from practice in this state.

            (2)(a) A doula may opt to practice in this state and forego any eligible reimbursement via a health coverage plan.

            (b) Doulas opting for reimbursement via a Medicaid managed care plan shall have approved registration by the Louisiana Doula Registry Board.

            F. All doulas with approved registration with the Louisiana Doula Registry Board shall have acceptance as a provider of such services with all Louisiana Medicaid plans in accordance with Medicaid rulemaking.

            G. Terminology in any Medicaid managed care plan or contract deemed discriminatory against doulas and doula services is void and unenforceable.

            Acts 2025, No. 228, §1.