Bill
SB 945
Bill SB 945 regulates certified doulas, creating a public registry and standards to improve access and quality of support for expecting families, enhancing maternal health.
Bill SB 945 aims to establish a framework for the regulation and recognition of certified doulas within the state. The bill seeks to enhance the availability and quality of doula services, which support individuals during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods.
The primary intent of SB 945 is to:
- Formalize the role of certified doulas in maternal health care.
- Create a registry for certified doulas to ensure standards of practice and accountability.
- Facilitate access to doula services for expecting families, thereby improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
The bill includes several significant provisions:
- Certification Requirements: Establishes criteria for individuals to become certified doulas, ensuring they meet specific training and competency standards.
- Registry Creation: Mandates the creation of a public registry maintained by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) that lists certified doulas, making it easier for families to find qualified professionals.
- Regulatory Oversight: Assigns the DCCA the responsibility for overseeing the certification process and maintaining the registry, ensuring compliance with established standards.
- Collaboration with Health Care Providers: Encourages collaboration between doulas and healthcare providers to enhance the support available to pregnant individuals and new parents.
The bill will impact:
- Certified Doulas: Those seeking to practice as doulas will need to meet new certification standards.
- Expecting Families: Families seeking doula services will benefit from a regulated and standardized approach to finding qualified doulas.
- Healthcare Providers: Hospitals and clinics may need to adapt to the inclusion of doulas in their maternal care teams.
SB 945 represents a significant step towards formalizing the role of doulas in the healthcare system, aiming to improve access to supportive services for families during critical periods of pregnancy and childbirth. By establishing a certification process and a public registry, the bill seeks to enhance the professionalism and accountability of doulas, ultimately benefiting maternal and infant health outcomes in the state.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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