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Bill

H 79

An act relating to certification of community-based perinatal doulas

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mari Cordes

The bill creates a state-certified framework for community-based perinatal doulas, defining training, eligibility, duties, and oversight to standardize and regulate services.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Health Care
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 79

Summary of H 79 (2025-2026) — Vermont

Purpose and Intent

H 79 proposes the certification of community-based perinatal doulas. The bill aims to establish a state framework to recognize, credential, and regulate individuals who provide nonclinical support to pregnant people, birthing persons, and families around the perinatal period. The overarching goal is to ensure quality, consistency, and accessibility of doula services within Vermont’s health care and community health systems.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Certification Program for Doulas

    • Establishes a state-administered certification process for community-based perinatal doulas.
    • Defines eligibility criteria for applicants (e.g., training standards, program completion, and potentially background checks or disclosures as determined by the regulatory framework).
    • Outlines duties and scope of practice for certified doulas, focusing on nonclinical support such as emotional support, advocacy, education, and assistance with birth plans and postpartum care.

  • Standards and Training

    • Sets minimum training and education requirements to attain certification (likely including topics such as anatomy, labor support techniques, postpartum support, cultural competency, and ethics).
    • May specify continuing education or periodic renewal requirements to maintain certification.

  • Certification Issuance and Maintenance

    • Establishes the process for applying, renewing, and potentially revoking certification.
    • Creates penalties or corrective action mechanisms for violations of the certification requirements or professional conduct standards.

  • Quality Assurance and Oversight

    • Creates oversight mechanisms—potentially within a state department (e.g., Health Care or Public Health)—to monitor program integrity, complaint processes, and compliance.
    • May include data collection responsibilities related to doula services (e.g., utilization, outcomes, and access metrics) to inform policy and program improvements.

  • Funding and Implementation

    • Addresses fiscal implications, including potential funding sources for the certification program (state funds, grants, or reimbursements).
    • Sets a timeline or phased approach for implementing the certification framework and for public-facing rollout.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Community-Based Doulas

    • Individuals seeking certification as perinatal doulas would be directly affected by training, eligibility, and certification requirements.

  • Expectant and Postpartum Families

    • Families seeking doula support could benefit from standardized qualifications, potentially improving service quality and access to certified doulas.

  • Healthcare and Social Service Providers

    • Hospitals, birthing centers, clinics, and community organizations may coordinate with certified doulas and adapt referral practices accordingly.

  • State Agencies and Regulators

    • The Vermont health or public health agency would implement and enforce the certification program, including oversight, compliance, and data reporting.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral

    • The bill was introduced and referred to the Committee on Health Care (as of 2025-01-24), indicating initial consideration and potential refinement within a health-focused committee.

  • Actions to Expect

    • If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the House, with possible companion actions in the Senate and eventual gubernatorial consideration.
    • Timeline for implementation would typically include rulemaking or guidance documents, a defined effective date for certification, and transitional provisions for currently practicing doulas.

Practical Implications

  • The certification framework could standardize the quality and accountability of community-based perinatal doula services.
  • It may influence reimbursement or funding opportunities if state programs or insurers recognize certified doulas.
  • The bill’s success depends on accompanying regulations, funding, and clarity on scope of practice to avoid overlap with clinical medical roles.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific sections (e.g., anticipated fiscal impact or regulatory structure) once additional text from the bill or committee materials is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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