North Carolina 2025 Session Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 4 D · 1 R cosponsors

SB 964 — Expanded Acc. to Doulas and Midwives/BC Lic.

Last action — Passed 1st Reading

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced April 30, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the Senate.

Prognosis

Advancing 40% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Low

How often bills like it became law.

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 5 sponsors

    1 primary, 4 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (4 D · 1 R) — cross-party backing.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

39 added · 40 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of Senate Bill 964 now includes a provision for Medicaid to cover certain healthcare services provided by doulas, which could help more families access support during childbirth. Additionally, the bill outlines specific funding of $550,000 for these services starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. These changes aim to enhance maternal health support and ensure that families have access to more comprehensive care options during pregnancy and delivery.

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FILED SENATE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA Apr 30, 2026 S.B.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2025 S 1 SENATE BILL 964 Short Title:
964 SESSION 2025 PRINCIPAL CLERK S D SENATE BILL DRS45521-BCfa-10 Short Title:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO REQUIRE NC MEDICAID TO COVER DOULA SERVICES DURING PREGNANCY AND THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD, TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE DOULA WORKFORCE, TO ESTABLISH THE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL MIDWIVES LICENSING ACT, AND TO ESTABLISH A LICENSURE PROCESS AND ANNUAL LICENSE FEES FOR BIRTH CENTERS.
Rules and Operations of the Senate May 4, 2026 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO REQUIRE NC MEDICAID TO COVER DOULA SERVICES DURING PREGNANCY AND THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD, TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE DOULA WORKFORCE, TO ESTABLISH THE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL MIDWIVES LICENSING ACT, AND TO ESTABLISH A LICENSURE PROCESS AND ANNUAL LICENSE FEES FOR BIRTH CENTERS.
SECTION 1.(a) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (DHB), shall seek approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement Medicaid coverage of certain healthcare services provided by a doula.
SECTION 1.(a) The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (DHB), shall seek approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement Medicaid coverage of certain healthcare services provided bya doula.
SECTION 1.(b) The coverage required by this section shall be implemented as soon as practicable upon approval by CMS.
SECTION 1.(b) The coverage required bythis section shall be implemented as soon as practicable upon approval by CMS.
SECTION 2.(b) There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, the sum of five hundred fifty thousand *DRS45521-BCfa-10* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 dollars($550,000)in recurring funds beginningwith the2026-2027fiscal yearto providesupport services and technical assistance to the doula workforce.
SECTION 2.(b) There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, the sum of five hundred fifty thousand *S964-v-1* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 dollars($550,000)in recurringfundsbeginningwith the2026-2027fiscal yearto providesupport services and technical assistance to the doula workforce.
Chapter 90 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new Article to read:
Chapter 90 of the General Statutes is amended byadding a new Article to read:
Page 2 DRS45521-BCfa-10 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (4) Thepracticeofnursingbyaregisterednurseengagedinthepracticeofnursing under Article 9A of this Chapter.
Page 2 Senate Bill 964-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (4) Thepracticeofnursingbyaregisterednurseengagedinthepracticeofnursing under Article 9A of this Chapter.
No member may serve more than two consecutive terms.
No member mayserve more than two consecutive terms.
If a Council member is absent from three consecutive Council meetings without excuse, that member shall be removed from office and a new member shall beappointed by theSecretaryof theDepartment ofHealthandHumanServices.
If a Council member is absent from three consecutive Council meetings without excuse, that member shall be removed from office and a new member shall beappointed bythe Secretaryof theDepartment of HealthandHumanServices.
A member subject to disciplinary proceedings in the member's capacity as a health care provider shall be disqualified from participating in the official business of the Council until the charges have been resolved.
A member subject to disciplinary proceedings in the member's capacityas a health care provider shall be disqualified from participating in the official business of the Council until the charges have been resolved.
DRS45521-BCfa-10 Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "§ 90-178.14.
Senate Bill 964-First Edition Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "§ 90-178.14.
(2) Has completed all required educational and clinical training, including education in emergency skills for pregnancy, birth, and newborn care and other midwifery topics addressing all ICM Core Competencies, as determined by NACPM or NARM, and has earned the national Certified Professional Midwifecertification credential awarded by anational midwifery certification agency accredited by the National Commission on Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accrediting body of the Institute of Credentialing Excellence.
(2) Has completed all required educational and clinical training, including education in emergency skills for pregnancy, birth, and newborn care and other midwiferytopics addressing all ICM Core Competencies, as determined by NACPM or NARM, and has earned the national Certified Professional Midwifecertification credential awarded byanational midwiferycertification agency accredited by the National Commission on Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accrediting body of the Institute of Credentialing Excellence.
Page 4 DRS45521-BCfa-10 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) Provide care for the healthy client who is expected to have a normal pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartal phase in the setting of their choice.
Page 4 Senate Bill 964-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) Provide care for the healthy client who is expected to have a normal pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartal phase in the setting of their choice.
(a) An initial license to practice as a Certified Professional Midwife shall be valid for two years.Aftertheinitiallicenseexpires,alicenseshallberenewedeverytwoyears.Allapplications for renewal shall be filed with the Council and shall be accompanied by the renewal fee in accordancewithG.S.
(a) An initial license to practice as a Certified Professional Midwife shall be valid for two years.Aftertheinitiallicenseexpires,alicenseshallberenewedeverytwo years.Allapplications for renewal shall be filed with the Council and shall be accompanied by the renewal fee in accordancewithG.S.
90-178.19andproofofcurrentcertificationfromNARM.Compliancewith NARM recertification requirements shall include (i) remaining in good standing with NARM, (ii) maintaining current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)and neonatal resuscitation program (NRP) certifications, and (iii) completing any continuing education requirements.
90-178.19andproofofcurrentcertificationfromNARM.Compliancewith NARM recertification requirements shall include (i) remaining in good standing with NARM, (ii) maintaining current cardiopulmonaryresuscitation (CPR)and neonatal resuscitation program (NRP) certifications, and (iii) completing any continuing education requirements.
The Council may, upon application and payment of proper fees, grant a license to an individual who resides in this State and has been licensed, certified, or registered to practice as a Certified Professional Midwife in another jurisdiction if that jurisdiction's standards of competency are substantially equivalent to those provided in this Article in accordance with rules adopted by the Council.
The Council may, upon application and payment of proper fees, grant a license to an individual who resides in this State and has been licensed, certified, or registered to practice as a Certified Professional Midwife in another jurisdiction if that jurisdiction's standards of competencyare substantiallyequivalent to those provided in this Article in accordance with rules adopted by the Council.
All fees payable to the Council shall be deposited in the name DRS45521-BCfa-10 Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 of the Council in financial institutions designated by the Council as official depositories and shall be used to pay all expenses incurred in carrying out the purposes of this Article.
All fees payable to the Council shall be deposited in the name Senate Bill 964-First Edition Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 of the Council in financial institutions designated bythe Council as official depositories and shall be used to pay all expenses incurred in carrying out the purposes of this Article.
(4) Has a habitual substance abuse problem or mental impairment that interferes with his or her ability to provide appropriate care as established by this Article or rules adopted by the Council.
(4) Has a habitual substance abuse problem or mental impairment that interferes with his or her abilityto provide appropriate care as established bythis Article or rules adopted by the Council.
Page 6 DRS45521-BCfa-10 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (a) This Part shall be known as the "Birth Center Licensure Act." (b) The purpose of this Part is to establish licensing requirements for birth centers that promote public health, safety, and welfare and to provide for the development, establishment, and enforcement of basic standards for the care and treatment of mothers and infants in birth centers.
Page 6 Senate Bill 964-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (a) This Part shall be known as the "Birth Center Licensure Act." (b) The purpose of this Part is to establish licensing requirements for birth centers that promote public health, safety, and welfare and to provide for the development, establishment, and enforcement of basic standards for the care and treatment of mothers and infants in birth centers.
(a) The Department shall make, or cause to be made, inspections of birth centers as it deemsnecessarytoinvestigateunexpectedoccurrencesinvolvingdeathorseriousphysicalinjury and reportable adverse outcomes identified in the rules adopted by the Commission under G.S.
(a) The Department shall make, or cause to be made, inspections of birth centers as it deemsnecessarytoinvestigate unexpectedoccurrencesinvolvingdeathorseriousphysicalinjury and reportable adverse outcomes identified in the rules adopted by the Commission under G.S.
(d) Information received by the Commission and the Department through filed reports, license applications, or inspections that are required or authorized by the provisions of this Part may be disclosed publicly except where this disclosure would violate applicable laws concerning patient records and patient confidentiality.
(d) Information received by the Commission and the Department through filed reports, license applications, or inspections that are required or authorized by the provisions of this Part may be disclosed publiclyexcept where this disclosure would violate applicable laws concerning patient records and patient confidentiality.
DRS45521-BCfa-10 Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) Adopt rules establishing standards for the licensure, operation, and regulation of birth centers within the State in a manner consistent with the provisions and purposes of this Part.
Senate Bill 964-First Edition Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (1) Adopt rules establishing standards for the licensure, operation, and regulation of birth centers within the State in a manner consistent with the provisions and purposes of this Part.
Page 8 DRS45521-BCfa-10 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "§ 131E-154.23.
Page 8 Senate Bill 964-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "§ 131E-154.23.
– A requirement that the birth center conduct a targeted ultrasound for further evaluation of maternal-fetal health consistent with those indications included in the recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concerning ultrasound practice in pregnancy.
– A requirement that the birth center conduct a targeted ultrasound for further evaluation of maternal-fetal health consistent with those indications included in the recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concerningultrasound practice in pregnancy.
The Department shall investigate all unexpected occurrences DRS45521-BCfa-10 Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 involving death or serious physical injury and all reportable adverse outcomes identified by the Commission in the rules.
The Department shall investigate all unexpected occurrences Senate Bill 964-First Edition Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 involving death or serious physical injuryand all reportable adverse outcomes identified by the Commission in the rules.
(c) Upon receipt of an application for a birth center license, the Department shall issue a license upon the recommendation of the Commission if the Department finds that the applicant is in compliance with the provisions of this Part and any rules adopted by the Commission under this Part.Thelicenseis valid foraperiodofoneyearfrom thedateofissuanceand must designate thenumber and types of beds and thenumberof rooms on thelicensedpremises.
(c) Upon receipt of an application for a birth center license, the Department shall issue a license upon the recommendation of the Commission if the Department finds that the applicant is in compliance with the provisions of this Part and any rules adopted by the Commission under this Part.Thelicenseis valid foraperiodofone yearfrom thedateofissuanceandmust designate thenumber and types of beds and thenumberof rooms on thelicensedpremises.
(g) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, birth centers that (i) are operating in this State on the date this act becomes effective, (ii) are accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC), and (iii) remain continually accredited shall be allowed tocontinueoperationsas theCommissionisconstitutedandpromulgatespermanentrules.Within 90 days after the effective date of the Commission's permanent rules regarding licensure applications, such unlicensed birth centers operating in this State shall submit a completed licensure application, together with the requisite fee, to the Division of Health Service Page 10 DRS45521-BCfa-10 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 Regulation.
(g) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, birth centers that (i) are operating in this State on the date this act becomes effective, (ii) are accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC), and (iii) remain continually accredited shall be allowed tocontinueoperationsas theCommissionisconstitutedandpromulgatespermanentrules.Within 90 days after the effective date of the Commission's permanent rules regarding licensure applications, such unlicensed birth centers operating in this State shall submit a completed licensure application, together with the requisite fee, to the Division of Health Service Page 10 Senate Bill 964-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 Regulation.
Each day of continuing violation after conviction is considered a separate offense." SECTION 4.(d) By October 1, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services shall review and, as necessary, revise its current Freestanding Birth Center Fee Schedule to ensure that (i) the fees are sufficient to cover the costs of providing intrapartum, birth, postpartum, and initial newborn care and (ii) the cost for any State-mandated newborn screening is reimbursed at no less than the cost of the screening.
Each day of continuing violation after conviction is considered a separate offense." SECTION 4.(d) ByOctober 1, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services shall review and, as necessary, revise its current Freestanding Birth Center Fee Schedule to ensure that (i) the fees are sufficient to cover the costs of providing intrapartum, birth, postpartum, and initial newborn care and (ii) the cost for any State-mandated newborn screening is reimbursed at no less than the cost of the screening.
131E-154.22(b)(3)shallbeoneyear.Subsequentappointmentsshallbeforthefullfour-year term in accordance with G.S.
131E-154.22(b)(3)shallbeone year.Subsequentappointmentsshallbeforthefullfour-year term in accordance with G.S.
DRS45521-BCfa-10 Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 4.(f) The criminal offense in G.S.
Senate Bill 964-First Edition Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 4.(f) The criminal offense in G.S.
Page 12 DRS45521-BCfa-10
Page 12 Senate Bill 964-First Edition
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How this bill changes current law

4 changes Share ↗

Compared against the N.C. General Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes a licensing process for Certified Professional Midwives and mandates Medicaid coverage for doula services, amending existing healthcare law in North Carolina.

  • N.C.G.S. § 90-21.11

    as defined in G.S. 90-21.11.

    The definition of 'health care provider' now explicitly includes Certified Professional Midwives as defined in the new Article 10B.

  • N.C.G.S. § 93B-5

    Each member of the Council shall receive per diem and reimbursement for travel and subsistence as provided in G.S. 93B-5.

    Clarifies that Council members will be compensated and reimbursed according to the existing statute governing compensation for board members.

  • N.C.G.S. § 90-21.11

    To require NC Medicaid to cover doula services during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

    Expands Medicaid coverage to include doula services, enhancing support for maternal care.

  • Chapter 90

    Article 10B. Certified Professional Midwives.

    Introduces a new article that establishes the framework for the licensing of Certified Professional Midwives in North Carolina.

Action History

  1. Passed 1st Reading

  2. Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

  3. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 4 co-sponsors · 174 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (4)

Not signed on (174)

174 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 174 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

healthcare labor health-insurance
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 964?
SB 964 is sponsored by Joyce Waddell (Democratic), Natalie S. Murdock (Democratic), Gale Adcock (Democratic), Sophia Chitlik (Democratic), and Jim Burgin (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 964?
This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced April 30, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track SB 964?
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