ME LD1523

Department of Health and Human Services must initiate a rate determination process for doula services under MaineCare by January 1, 2026, with reimbursement planned to begin January 1, 2028, subject to legislative appropriations

Doula services are defined as nonclinical support throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum, including guidance on pregnancy health, childbirth, infant feeding, and newborn care

A multidisciplinary statewide doula council must be established to advise on service scope, doula credentials, workforce recruitment strategies, billing issues, and public outreach

Department must submit a report by February 1, 2027, to the Legislature with progress on rate development, implementation timeline, budget requests, and recommendations for a permanent doula council structure

Became law without the Governor's signature on June 19, 2025