SB2437: MEDICAID-MATERNAL HLTH-DOULAS

Legislative Summary

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that, within 6 months after the amendatory Act, all hospitals with licensed obstetric beds and birthing centers shall adopt and maintain written policies and procedures to permit a patient enrolled in the medical assistance program to have an Illinois Medicaid certified and enrolled doula of the patient's choice accompany the patient within the facility's premises for the purposes of providing support before, during, and after labor and childbirth. Provides that an Illinois Medicaid certified and enrolled doula shall not be counted as a support person or against the guest quota before, during, or after childbirth. Requires each applicable facility to post a summary of the facility's adopted policies and procedures on its website, including contact information to facilitate communication between the facility and Illinois Medicaid enrolled doulas and doula organizations. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act: (i) shall be construed to provide a doula with access to a patient when that access is inconsistent with generally accepted medical standards or practices; and (ii) is intended to expand or limit the malpractice liability of a hospital beyond the limits existing in current Illinois statutory and common law. Requires Illinois Medicaid enrolled doulas to provide written acknowledgment of doula certification and enrollment in the medical assistance program upon request of the hospital or birthing facility. Permits the Departments of Healthcare and Family Services and Public Health to establish standing recommendations to meet Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requirements and ensure access to preventive services.