Bill > H3720

This bill aims to address the well-being of new mothers and infants affected by mental illness, including perinatal psychiatric complications, in the criminal justice system. The key provisions are: 1. Requiring a defendant who gave birth within 12 months prior to the crime they are charged with to undergo a screening for perinatal psychiatric complications. 2. Specifying that an examination for a female defendant suffering from mental illness related to a perinatal psychiatric complication, such as postpartum psychosis, must be conducted by an expert in reproductive psychiatry within 48 hours. 3. Mandating that any person committed to a facility under the law who suffers from mental illness related to a perinatal psychiatric complication receive a diagnosis and treatment plan made in consultation with an expert in reproductive psychiatry, and providing additional services like parenting assessment and therapy if deemed appropriate. 4. Establishing procedures for placing individuals with mental illness related to perinatal psychiatric complications on outpatient status, including requiring an expert in reproductive psychiatry to be consulted in developing an appropriate treatment plan. The overall goal is to ensure that new mothers affected by mental health issues, particularly those related to the perinatal period, receive specialized and comprehensive care within the criminal justice system.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H3720