In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Birthing parent” means the participant giving birth, who is receiving doula services throughout their pregnancy, including the prenatal, labor, and postpartum periods. “Certified doula” means a trained nonmedical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the birthing parent throughout the prenatal and postpartum periods and who has received a certification as approved by the Program to perform doula services. “Department” means the Maryland Department of Health, the single State agency designated to administer the Maryland Medical Assistance Program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §1396 et seq. “Doula services” means continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the birthing parent throughout the prenatal and postpartum periods, provided by a certified doula, including: Information about the childbirth process; Emotional and physical support provided at perinatal visits and during labor and delivery, which may include: Prenatal coaching; Providing person-centered care that honors cultural and family traditions; and Teaching and advocating on behalf of the birthing parent during appointment visits, hospitalization, and delivery; Provision of evidence-based information on general health practices pertaining to pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, newborn health, and family dynamics; Provision of emotional support, physical comfort measures, and information to the birthing parent to enable the birthing parent to make informed decisions pertaining to childbirth and postpartum care, and other issues throughout the perinatal period; Provision of support for the whole birth team including a birthing parent’s partner, family members, and other support persons; Provision of evidence-based information on infant feeding; Provision of general breastfeeding guidance and resources to supplement, but not in lieu of, the services of a lactation consultant; Provision of infant soothing and coping skills for the new parents; and Facilitation of access to resources that can improve birth-related outcomes, including ongoing home visiting services, transportation, housing, alcohol, tobacco and drug cessation, WIC, SNAP, and intimate partner violence resources. “Home” means the birthing parent’s place of residence in a community setting. “Labor and delivery” means the period during which the fetus, membranes, umbilical cord, and placenta are expelled from the uterus through vaginal birth or through the surgical delivery by a cesarean section. “Medically necessary” means that the service or benefit is: Directly related to diagnostic, preventive, curative, palliative, rehabilitative, or ameliorative treatment of an illness, injury, disability, or health condition; Consistent with current accepted standards of good medical practice; The most cost-efficient service that can be provided without sacrificing effectiveness or access to care; and Not primarily for the convenience of the consumer, family, or provider. “Perinatal period” means the period that encompasses both the prenatal and postpartum periods. “Postpartum period” means the period that begins immediately after childbirth up to 180 days following childbirth. “Prenatal period” means the developmental period between conception and birth. “Program” means the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. “Provider” means an individual doula or an association, partnership, or incorporated or unincorporated group of doulas certified to provide doula services that, through an appropriate agreement with the Department, has been identified as a Program provider by the issuance of an individual account number.