Fiscal Summary

Increase State Expenditures – $5,800/FY23-24 and Subsequent Years

Bill Summary

This bill creates a doula services advisory committee ("committee"), attached to the department of health for administrative purposes, that must do the following:

(1) Develop a set core of competencies and standards for doulas providing doula services;

(2) Propose multiple options for Medicaid reimbursement for doula services, including doulas operating as independent providers and doulas working with licensed providers;

(3) Propose reimbursement rates and fee schedules reflecting the reasonable number of clients a doula can sustain at the same time;

(4) Propose incentive-based programs such as fee waivers to encourage participation from doulas in rural communities;

(5) Host a series of town halls and undertake a survey of doulas practicing in this state regarding their needs and concerns with Medicaid coverage of doula services;

(6) Compile a report of their findings and recommendations and give a copy to the health committees of the legislature and the legislative library.

This bill requires the department of health to publish the report described in (6) on the department's website no later than 18 months following the committee's first meeting.

COMPOSITION

The committee will consist of the following 11 members:

(1) The commissioner of health, or the commissioner's designee, who will serve as the chair;

(2) The director of TennCare, or the director's designee;

(3) One licensed physician with training in obstetrics, and who has documented experience providing services to Medicaid recipients and working with doulas;

(4) One certified midwife who has documented experience providing services to Medicaid recipients and working with doulas;

(5) One doula who has documented experience providing services to Medicaid recipients in Davidson County;

(6) One doula who has documented experience providing services to Medicaid recipients in Shelby County;

(7) Two doulas who have documented experience with Medicaid recipients in other counties;

(8) Two community-based doulas who have documented experience providing services to women in municipalities or unincorporated areas in this state with high rates of maternal and infant mortality; and

(9) One public health professional with experience in maternal health or Medicaid policy.

This bill requires the commissioner of health, or the commissioner's designee, to appoint the members described in (3) through (9). Initial terms are staggered, and all terms after the initial terms are four-year terms. Members are eligible for reappointment and can serve multiple terms.

VACANCIES AND COMPENSATION

This bill requires the commissioner of health to remove a voting member who misses more than 50 percent of the scheduled meetings in a calendar year and to appoint a new member to serve for the remainder of the term. However, the commissioner may excuse an absence of a member for good cause. Members serve without compensation but are entitled to receive necessary travel and other expenses while engaged in committee business. All reimbursement for travel expenses must be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general.

RULEMAKING

This bill authorizes the department of health to promulgate rules to effectuate this bill.