(a)As used in this section:
(1)“Certified doula” means a doula that is certified by the Department of Public Health; and (2) “Doula” means a trained, nonmedical professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support, virtually or in person, to a pregnant person and any family or friends supporting such person before, during and after birth.
(b)The Commissioner of Public Health shall, within available resources, establish a Doula Advisory Committee within the Department of Public Health. The Doula Advisory Committee shall develop recommendations for (1) requirements for certification and certification renewal of doulas, including, but not limited to, training, experience or continuing education requirements; and (2) standards for recognizing doula training program curric
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(a) As used in this section: (1) “Certified doula” means a doula that is certified by the Department of Public Health; and (2) “Doula” means a trained, nonmedical professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support, virtually or in person, to a pregnant person and any family or friends supporting such person before, during and after birth. (b) The Commissioner of Public Health shall, within available resources, establish a Doula Advisory Committee within the Department of Public Health. The Doula Advisory Committee shall develop recommendations for (1) requirements for certification and certification renewal of doulas, including, but not limited to, training, experience or continuing education requirements; and (2) standards for recognizing doula training program curricula that are sufficient to satisfy the requirements for doula certification. (c) The Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee, shall be the chairperson of the Doula Advisory Committee. (d) The Doula Advisory Committee shall consist of the following members: (1) Seven appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee, who are actively practicing as doulas in the state; (2) One appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee, who is a nurse-midwife, licensed pursuant to chapter 377, who has experience working with a doula; (3) One appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee, in consultation with the Connecticut Hospital Association, who shall represent an acute care hospital; (4) One appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee, who shall represent an association that represents hospitals and health-related organizations in the state; (5) One appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee, who shall be a licensed health care provider who specializes in obstetrics and has experience working with a doula; (6) One appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee, who shall represent a community-based doula training organization; (7) One appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee, who shall represent a community-based maternal and child health organization; (8) One appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee, who shall have expertise in health equity; (9) The Commissioner of Social Services, or the commissioner's designee; (10) The Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, or the commissioner's designee; and (11) The Commissioner of Early Childhood, or the commissioner's designee. (e) The Doula Advisory Committee shall establish a Doula Training Program Review Committee. Such committee shall (1) conduct a continuous review of doula training programs; and (2) provide a list of approved doula training programs in the state that meet the requirements established by the Doula Advisory Committee.