Doulas and Traditional Health Workers
Strengthening birth outcomes
Doulas and traditional health workers play a vital role in maternal and infant health by offering emotional, physical, and advocacy support, leading to safer and more positive birth experiences.
A.
Define doulas in the traditional health worker statute and add postpartum doulas and Certified Lactation Counselors.
B.
Private insurers and Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) shall provide information to clients on how to access doulas, postpartum doulas, and Certified Lactation Counselors.
C.
Require Doula coverage by all health insurance plans and remove requirements for supervision.
D.
Increase insurance coverage for doulas, and specifically postpartum doulas increase covered visits and raise reimbursements.
E.
Mandate reporting of data on workforce and outcomes to Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
F.
Establish a Community-Based Perinatal Provider Access Fund at OHA.