DOULA for VA Act of 2023

Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act of 2023 or the DOULA for VA Act of 2023

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a five-year pilot program to furnish doula services to pregnant veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system. The program must furnish doula services through eligible entities by expanding the VA's Whole Health model to measure the impact that doula support services have on birth and mental health outcomes of pregnant veterans. The Whole Health model is a holistic approach that looks at the many areas of life that may affect health in order to make a health plan suited for each individual based on his or her health goals.

Bill 118 s 2465, also known as the DOULA for VA Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to provide support for pregnant veterans by offering access to doula services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to pregnant individuals before, during, and after childbirth. The DOULA for VA Act of 2023 aims to ensure that pregnant veterans have access to these important services to improve their overall birthing experience and outcomes.

The bill outlines that the VA will establish a program to provide doula services to pregnant veterans at no cost to the veteran. This program will include training and certification requirements for doulas, as well as guidelines for matching doulas with pregnant veterans based on their individual needs and preferences. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of culturally competent care and requires the VA to prioritize the recruitment and training of doulas from diverse backgrounds to better serve the diverse population of pregnant veterans. Overall, the DOULA for VA Act of 2023 seeks to improve the quality of care and support available to pregnant veterans by ensuring access to doula services through the VA. This legislation aims to address the unique needs of pregnant veterans and promote positive birth experiences for this population.