In 2019, an 11-locality tour of public listening sessions took place; this included representation from the doula community. As a result of these listening sessions, the 2020 General Assembly would hear proposals on the recommendation of doula services. The 2020 General Assembly issued a study mandate to both the Secretary of Health and Human Resources (HHR) and the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to perform two overlapping studies: HHR – Review and make recommendations regarding the state regulation of Doulas and establishing a community Doula benefit for pregnant women covered by Medicaid; DMAS – Evaluate the potential costs and benefits, including potential reductions in maternal and infant mortality rates, of amending the state plan for medical assistance services. In December 2020, The Report of the Virginia Medicaid Benefit for Community Doula Services Work Group was published. As a result, Virginia developed a State Doula Certification program and a Medicaid Doula benefit.
