WI SB1108

Department of Health Services must request federal waivers or state plan amendments to enable Medical Assistance (Medicaid) reimbursement for doula services, including childbirth education and emotional/physical support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum.

Certified doulas who obtain DHS certification would become eligible MA providers and receive reimbursement for services provided to MA recipients.

Hospitals and birthing centers must adopt written policies within 7 months of enactment allowing MA recipients to be accompanied by their chosen MA-certified doula before, during, and after childbirth, and must publish these policies on their websites.

Doulas cannot be counted against facility visitor quotas for support persons, but may be denied patient access when inconsistent with generally accepted medical standards.

Hospitals are shielded from liability for doula acts or omissions solely because they permitted the doula to accompany the patient; each party remains liable for their own conduct.