Today, Governor Sarah Sanders signed House Bill 1252, now Act 965, into law. The measure establishes a certification process for community-based doulas and ensures reimbursement through Medicaid and private insurance.
Excel by Eight is proud to have served in an advisory role to the Doula Alliance of Arkansas throughout this process, and we will continue to support implementation of the legislation in partnership with them. This group of dedicated professionals came together in 2024 to strengthen the role of doulas within the state’s health care system. Their leadership and lived experience were instrumental in shaping this legislation and ensuring that doulas had a voice in the policymaking process.
Act 965 is a major step forward in addressing Arkansas’s maternal health crisis. By creating reimbursement pathways and a formal certification process, the law makes doula care more financially sustainable for providers and more accessible to families. Research consistently shows that expanding access to doulas leads to better birth outcomes, lower maternal and infant mortality rates, and a higher quality of care.
We commend Senator Missy Irvin and Representative Lee Johnson for championing this legislation. Their commitment to maternal health ensures more Arkansas families will receive the care and support they need during one of life’s most critical and transformative times.
At Excel by Eight, we believe that every child deserves a strong start, and that begins with supporting the professionals who support families.
