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HR6331FEDERALFederal Billin committee

High Impact

DOULA for VA Act of 2023

Last action · November 27, 2023: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.Sponsor: Donald Davis

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

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What This Bill Would Do

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to launch a five-year pilot program providing doula support services to pregnant and postpartum veterans. The program aims to improve maternal and mental health outcomes by integrating doulas into the VA's existing 'Whole Health' care model.

Why it matters

The bill establishes a new federal service for pregnant veterans, authorizing funding for up to 10 doula sessions per veteran at a maximum cost of $3,500 per doula, which could change how maternity care is delivered and coordinated within the VA system.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Pregnant and postpartum veterans

They are eligible to receive up to 10 sessions of doula care under the pilot program.

Directly affected

Doulas

They may participate as service providers and must undergo specific training regarding military sexual trauma and PTSD.

Directly affected

Department of Veterans Affairs

The agency is required to establish, administer, and fund the pilot program and report results to Congress.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the doula pilot program?

Eligible participants are 'covered veterans,' defined as pregnant or postpartum veterans enrolled in the VA patient enrollment system.

What does a doula do under this program?

A doula acts as an advocate for the veteran, working alongside the medical team to provide support during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.

Can I have my doula sessions via video?

Yes, the bill specifies that postpartum sessions may be conducted via the mobile application.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Last action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.Nov 27, 2023

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

Discoveries

1 pattern noticed across the record

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift90% confidence

Expansion of Maternity Support

The bill marks a shift toward integrating non-clinical support (doulas) into the VA's 'Whole Health' model to address specific mental health and birth outcomes for women veterans.

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration