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HCR 74

REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A SUNRISE REVIEW OF THE REGISTRATION AND REGULATION OF DOULAS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Greggor Ilagan

Hawaii requests auditor review whether doulas should be licensed and regulated as a profession to protect consumers and establish service standards.

Referred to HLT, CPC, referral sheet 22
#auditor #dcca #doulas #sunrisereview
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Bill Summary · HCR 74

Legislative bill overview

HCR 74 is a Hawaii concurrent resolution requesting that the state auditor conduct a "sunrise review" of doula registration and regulation. A sunrise review is a systematic evaluation of whether an unregulated profession should become regulated by the state. This non-binding request seeks to assess whether doulas—birth coaches who provide physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy and childbirth—warrant formal licensure requirements.

Why is this important

Sunrise reviews inform policy decisions about which professions need state oversight to protect consumers. Regulating doulas could affect accessibility and cost of birth support services, while lack of regulation raises questions about standardized training and accountability. The outcome of this review could shape whether Hawaii requires doulas to meet specific educational, certification, or conduct standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and access concerns: Regulation typically increases licensing fees and training requirements, potentially making doula services less affordable for low-income families who depend on them most
  • Professional autonomy vs. consumer protection: Doula advocates may resist regulation as unnecessary bureaucracy, while consumer protection advocates argue standards ensure competency and recourse for poor service
  • Scope of practice overlap: Defining what doulas can and cannot do without infringing on midwifery, nursing, or other regulated healthcare professions presents jurisdictional complexity

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

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