Relates to maternal depression treatment

Section two of this bill provides the effective date.

Justification

Maternal or perinatal, depression is broadly defined as a wide range of emotional and psychological reactions a woman may experience during pregnancy or after childbirth. It is one of the most common medical complications women may experience during and after pregnancy. These complications may include, but are not limited to, feelings of despair or extreme guilt, prolonged sadness, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, extreme changes in appetite, and -- in severe cases thoughts of suicide or of harming the baby. These reactions may occur without warning and may happen before, during or immediately after childbirth, and continue into the infant's first year of life. Maternal depression may include prenatal depression, the "baby blues," postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis. Each year, between 10 and 20 percent of new mothers experience prenatal or postpartum depression; 50-80 percent experience "baby blues"; and 0.1-0.2 percent experience postpartum psychosis, a rare but severe condition that has a 5% suicide rate and a 4% infanticide rate.

Maternal depression can lead to significant negative consequences for those affected and their children and families. Mothers experiencing maternal depression can have trouble caring for their new baby, be unable to work or look for work. This depression can also negatively impact the essential growth and development of families and young children. Fortunately, treatment or maternal depression is successful for 80-90% of patients and offers long-term health costs savings.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ("ACOG") recommends prenatal screening for maternal depression, emphasizing the importance of preparing providers to perform screens and make referrals. The American Academy of Pediatrics ("AAP") recommends that pediatricians screen mothers for postpartum depression at the 1 month, 2 month and 4 month well-baby visits. In January 2016, the United States Preventive Services Task Force ("USPSTF") - an independent national panel of experts tasked with making evidence-based recommendations about screenings and other preventative health services - recommended that all women be screened for maternal depression during pregnancy and after giving birth.

As screening increases pursuant to the ACOG, USPSTF, and AAP recommendations, healthcare providers must have the support they need to conduct maternal depression screenings and refer women who screen positive for maternal depression for treatment or further evaluation. A centralized list of providers who treat maternal depression, available community resources and peer support groups would help providers conducting screenings to make appropriate referrals and get more women access to treatment.

Additionally, the state must invest in maternal depression treatment resources including strengthening and expanding a statewide hotline, encouraging peer support, and improving the capacity of referral networks. Treatment via telemedicine for maternal depression could also help more women in underserved areas find the support and treatment they need.

Prior legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law; provided however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized to be made and completed by the commissioner of health on or before such effective date.