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VermontS.532025-2026 SessionSenateWALLET

An act relating to certification of community-based perinatal doulas and Medicaid coverage for doula services

Sponsored By: Martine Larocque L Gulick (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Medicaid adds covered doula support

Vermont Medicaid covers state-certified doulas’ nonmedical emotional, physical, educational, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and up to one year afterward. Coverage applies regardless of pregnancy outcome, but payment excludes travel time and mileage. Coverage begins on the later of July 1, 2026, or federal approval of the Medicaid plan change. The Department of Vermont Health Access must request that approval by July 1, 2026. The law calls for reasonable, adequate rates aligned with other states; Medicaid rules and the plan change set payment details.

Doulas pay lower certification fees

Beginning July 1, 2026, Vermont sets the doula certification application fee at $75 instead of $115. The renewal fee is $120 every two years instead of $275. Doulas save $40 per application and $155 per two-year renewal.

Doulas gain certification with new requirements

Beginning July 1, 2026, Vermont creates state certification for community-based doulas who provide nonmedical pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support. Applicants must be at least 18, pay the application fee, show required skills, and pass background or registry checks required by rule. Doulas renew every two years, pay the renewal fee, and meet continuing-education or skill requirements set by rule. The Office of Professional Regulation keeps a public registry and can discipline doulas for misconduct. Only certified doulas can claim state-certified status; false claims carry penalties, but other people can still provide doula services. The Secretary of State appoints two actively practicing certified doulas with at least three years of direct service as advisors.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Martine Larocque L Gulick

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Alison Clarkson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Anne E Watson

    Democrat/Progressive • Senate

  • Rebecca "Becca" E White

    Democratic • Senate

  • Ruth E Hardy

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tanya C Vyhovsky

    Democrat/Progressive • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 9, 2025

    6/13/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor on June 9, 2025

    6/11/2025Senate

  3. Delivered to Governor on June 3, 2025

    6/3/2025Senate

  4. Senate Message: House proposal of amendment concurred in

    5/23/2025Senate

  5. As passed by Senate and House

    5/22/2025Senate

  6. House proposal of amendment concurred in

    5/22/2025Senate

  7. House proposal of amendment; text

    5/22/2025Senate

  8. Rules suspended & taken up for immediate consideration, on motion of Senator Baruth

    5/22/2025Senate

  9. House proposal of amendment

    5/22/2025Senate

  10. Entered on Notice Calendar

    5/22/2025Senate

  11. House message: House passed bill in concurrence with proposal(s) of amendment

    5/22/2025House

  12. Read third time and passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

    5/20/2025House

  13. Action Calendar: Unfinished Business

    5/20/2025House

  14. Action Calendar: Third Reading

    5/19/2025House

  15. Third Reading ordered

    5/16/2025House

  16. Report of Committee on Health Care agreed to

    5/16/2025House

  17. Rep. Mrowicki of Putney recommended for the Committee on Appropriations

    5/16/2025House

  18. Rep. Branagan of Georgia recommended for the Committee on Ways and Means

    5/16/2025House

  19. Rep. Cordes of Bristol reported for the Committee on Health Care

    5/16/2025House

  20. Read second time

    5/16/2025House

  21. Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

    5/16/2025House

  22. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

    5/15/2025House

  23. Pending entry on Notice Calendar, referred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a)

    5/14/2025House

  24. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means per Rule 35(a)

    5/9/2025House

  25. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

    5/9/2025House

Bill Text

  • As Enacted (ACT 50)Opens in a new window

    6/12/2025

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers

    5/30/2025

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)

    5/30/2025

    PDF

  • House Proposal of Amendment

    5/22/2025

    PDF

  • House Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)

    5/22/2025

    PDF

  • As Passed by the Senate

    3/26/2025

    PDF

  • As Passed by the Senate (Unofficial)

    3/26/2025

    PDF

  • As Introduced

    2/5/2025

    PDF

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