HB2670 Summary

• Establishes a voluntary state certification program for doulas through the Department of Health Services, allowing trained nonmedical professionals to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to families before, during, and after childbirth.

• Sets minimum qualifications for certified doulas including 30 hours of training in core competencies (childbirth process, postpartum care, trauma-informed care, cultural practices, anatomy/physiology), observation of one birth, and attendance at three births as primary support person.

• Requires certified doulas to obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card and complete first aid and CPR instruction; certificates valid for three years with renewal requiring 15 hours of continuing education.

• Establishes a nine-member Doula Community Advisory Committee with representation from diverse communities to advise on implementation, identify culturally relevant training, and develop lists of acceptable certifying organizations; committee expires July 1, 2028.

• Adds state-certified doula applicants to the list of individuals requiring fingerprint clearance cards under Arizona law; certification is optional and does not prevent uncertified individuals from practicing as doulas.