Bill > A09102

This bill requires the Office of Mental Health and the Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive study and prepare a report on the differential impacts of postpartum depression screening measures on Black women, Brown women, and birthing people. The study will examine additional questions or tools that could be implemented to minimize disparities in the current screening protocols. The purpose of the study is to identify any racial disparities within the protocols and screening measures and to review the current protocols and screening measures used to identify postpartum depression and overall birthing people's health after birth. The study will research and identify questions to be used within postpartum depression screenings to detect various factors, including stress around food scarcity, financial stressors, quality of sleep and health, substance abuse issues, maternal depression disorders, symptoms of isolation, and different family structures. The commissioners of the Office of Mental Health and Department of Health are required to submit a report of the study's findings and specific recommendations for minimizing existing barriers and maximizing new techniques and tests to better aid postpartum depression testing and other maternal health testing and/or screening within one year of the bill's effective date.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/A9102