FL H0515

Establishes a 12-24 month pilot program in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties to provide doula services to pregnant and postpartum women who have overcome or are overcoming substance use disorders

Department of Health's maternal and child health section will implement and oversee the program, funded through the Closing the Gap grant program with additional federal funds sought

Doula services include prenatal education and birth planning, continuous labor support, postpartum assistance with newborn care and breastfeeding, and advocacy within medical settings

Creates a nine-member Doula Certification Task Force to establish core competencies and recommend minimum certification standards including training programs, supervised practice hours, and background screenings

Task force must submit final report by January 1, 2028, and expires October 2, 2029; program aims to reduce preterm births and cesarean deliveries while improving maternal and infant health outcomes