Chapter 400 Oregon Laws 2011

AN ACT

HB 3311

Relating to birth outcomes; and declaring an emergency.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. (1) As used in this section, “doula” means a birth companion who provides personal, nonmedical support to women and families throughout a woman’s pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum experience.

(2) The Oregon Health Authority, including the Office of Multicultural Health and Services, shall explore options for providing or utilizing doulas in the state medical assistance program to improve birth outcomes for women who face a disproportionately greater risk of poor birth outcomes.

(3) The authority shall report to the House committee on health care and any other appropriate legislative committee in February 2012:

(a) Its findings under subsection (2) of this section; and

(b) All of the options for providing or utilizing services in the medical assistance program that improve birth outcomes for women who face a disproportionately greater risk of poor birth outcomes.

SECTION 2. This 2011 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 2011 Act takes effect on its passage.

Approved by the Governor June 17, 2011

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 17, 2011

Effective date June 17, 2011

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