SB 1568
Establishes coverage levels for doula services in the state medical assistance program and for health benefit plans that provide coverage for pregnancy and childbirth expenses.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
91%
Oppose
9%
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill expands coverage for doula and lactation counselor services in Oregon’s state medical assistance program and for health benefit plans that cover pregnancy and childbirth. It requires these plans to cover doula services up to specified amounts and establishes coverage for lactation counselors. The bill also directs the Traditional Health Workers Commission to create a voluntary registration system for lactation counselors and mandates the Oregon Health Authority to adopt qualification criteria for perinatal doulas and lactation counselors by January 1, 2028. Additionally, it creates the Oregon Perinatal Collaborative at Oregon Health & Science University and adjusts reimbursement rates for doulas and lactation counselors within the state medical assistance program.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of SB 1568 agree that the bill is crucial in addressing challenges in implementing legislation related to doulas and lactation counselors, as well as establishing the Oregon Perinatal Collaborative at OHSU. They emphasize the need for increased access to perinatal support services, particularly for vulnerable populations, with a focus on low-income mothers and those in rural areas. The bill aims to provide technical fixes for existing laws, such as SB 692, to increase access to doulas and lactation counselors, while also establishing clear coverage standards and removing barriers to care. By supporting the passage of SB 1568, advocates hope to improve perinatal health care services for Oregon mothers and their babies, ultimately promoting mother and child safety, early development, equity, and strong parent-child bonds.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Several testifiers, including the National Lactation Consultant Alliance, express concerns about the potential impact of SB 1568 on patient safety. They argue that the bill's proposed changes to lactation personnel categories may lead to a lack of consistency in qualifications and training, which could compromise the quality of care provided by licensed lactation consultants. Critics also contend that the bill's relaxed standards for entry-level positions may put vulnerable populations at risk, particularly infants and young children who rely on accurate breastfeeding support. By downgrading the qualifications required for these roles, testifiers fear that patients may be exposed to inadequate guidance, potentially hindering their ability to establish a safe and effective breastfeeding routine.
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