Hochul Signs Standing Order to Expand Access to Doula Services

A standing order issued by New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald will expand access to doula services for birthing parents across the state. Governor Kathy Hochul signed that order during a roundtable discussion at a health center in New York City on Monday. She says people who are in need of those services can now use Medicaid dollars to pay for them and will no longer need a referral...

Kathy Hochul: expanding doula services

Meanwhile, Hochul also revealed that the state's first-in-the-nation prenatal paid leave policy, which will take effect in January 2025, will give employees an additional 20 hours of paid sick leave for prenatal care in addition to their existing sick leave.

Photo by Governor Kathy Hochul's Office