S.Amdt. 3528

This amendment proposes to add Section 1067 to the bill, which would create a pilot program on doula support for veterans. The purpose of this program is to provide doula services to pregnant and formerly pregnant veterans to measure how this support impacts their birth and mental health outcomes.

Key changes and additions include:

• Program Goals: The pilot aims to improve infant care, maternal and mental health outcomes, and the overall experience of women receiving maternity care. It also seeks to reengage veterans with the Department after they give birth.

• Service Delivery: Covered veterans can receive up to 10 sessions of care from a doula. This includes three or four sessions before labor, one session during labor, and three or four post-partum sessions.

• Administration and Funding: The Office of Women's Health will oversee the program and establish training guidelines for doulas regarding post traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma. Payment for services is capped at $3,500 per doula per veteran.

• Implementation: The program will run for five years across specific Veterans Integrated Service Networks, including those with the highest and lowest percentages of female veterans, as well as at least one network serving a Frontier State.

• Accountability: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit annual reports to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs, with a final report recommending whether the program should be continued or expanded.