Bill > HB470

This bill creates two new sections in Missouri law focusing on perinatal mental health care and support. The first section requires healthcare professionals providing maternity services to screen pregnant women for mental disorders and mental illnesses using validated, evidence-based verbal screening tools during all trimesters of pregnancy. If a healthcare professional identifies a pregnant woman with an unaddressed mental health condition, they must either provide treatment directly or refer the patient to appropriate care. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is tasked with establishing guidelines for treating mental health conditions during pregnancy and making these guidelines publicly available online. The bill also mandates that these screening efforts must comply with existing confidentiality laws. The second section establishes a perinatal navigator program designed to help pregnant women access early prenatal care and connect them with local wraparound services and home visiting programs, with the goal of providing comprehensive support during pregnancy. The bill aims to improve maternal mental health screening, treatment, and support services throughout pregnancy.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB470&year=2025&code=R