AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to doula services.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would allow doula care services for women who qualify based on certain criteria, including existing health conditions, age factors, lifestyle choices, or living in areas lacking licensed obstetricians or gynecologists. The pilot program is intended to last from 2024-2025 and includes a provision for payment to the providers offering doula services. This legislation aims to improve maternal health outcomes and support women who may face higher risks during pregnancy.
Summary
House Bill 0576 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated to introduce provisions for doula services under the TennCare program. The bill defines 'doula care services' as supportive services that offer emotional and physical assistance during labor and birth, and intermittently during both prenatal and postpartum periods. It establishes a pilot program for providing these services to eligible women who are TennCare recipients and whose healthcare providers determine that such services are medically appropriate.
Contention
While the bill has implications for improving maternal care, there may be points of contention regarding the funding and implementation of the pilot program. Critics might raise concerns about the cost of providing doula services within the TennCare framework and whether there will be sufficient oversight and training for doulas. Supporters, however, argue that better prenatal and postpartum support can lead to reduced healthcare costs in the long run by improving health outcomes for mothers and infants.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 24; Title 33; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to the Tennessee Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 24; Title 33; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to the Tennessee Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 53; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to women's health.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 53; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to women's health.