2026 Regular Session SB 1568

• Bill Title: Relating to perinatal services; declaring an emergency.

Catchline/Summary

Digest: The Act requires OHA, CCOs and health benefit plans that cover birth and pregnancy costs to also cover doula costs up to stated amounts of service. The Act requires that those entities and health benefit plans also cover lactation counselor costs. The Act requires those changes for contracts or plans that start or renew in 2027 or later. The Act requires OHA to adopt rules about lactation counselors. The Act starts when it is signed. (Flesch Readability Score 61.8).

Establishes minimum coverage levels for doula services in the state medical assistance program and for health benefit plans that reimburse the costs of pregnancy and childbirth expenses. Requires the Oregon Health Authority, coordinated care organizations and health benefit plans that reimburse the costs for pregnancy and childbirth to provide coverage for services of lactation counselors. Specifies that minimum coverage level modifications for doula services and required coverage for lactation counselor services become operative on January 1, 2027.

Directs the Oregon Health Authority to establish a voluntary registration system for lactation counselors. Defines "lactation counselor." Becomes operative on January 1, 2027.

Creates the Oregon Perinatal Collaborative in the Oregon Health and Science University.

Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

• Current Location: Senate Desk - Awaiting First Reading