IL HB2423

Hospitals with licensed obstetric beds and birthing centers must adopt written policies within 6 months to allow Medicaid patients to have an Illinois Medicaid certified doula of their choice accompany them before, during, and after labor and childbirth

Illinois Medicaid certified doulas cannot be counted against a facility's guest quota or as a support person limit during childbirth

Facilities must post a summary of their doula policies on their website, including contact information to facilitate communication with Medicaid-enrolled doulas and doula organizations

Hospitals are protected from liability for acts or omissions of doulas solely based on permitting the doula to accompany a patient; hospitals and doulas are each responsible for their own conduct

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services and Department of Public Health may establish standing recommendations to ensure access to preventive services including doulas, lactation consultants, home visitors, and community health workers, with employees protected from disciplinary, civil, or criminal liability for issuing such recommendations