Bill > SB626

This bill modifies existing California law to expand and update requirements for perinatal mental health screenings and treatment. The bill changes the terminology from "maternal mental health" to "perinatal mental health," which now includes mental health conditions occurring during pregnancy, postpartum, and the broader perinatal period. Health care service plans and health insurers will be required to develop comprehensive perinatal mental health programs that include screening, diagnosis, and treatment, with screenings to be conducted in accordance with clinical guidelines appropriate to each provider's scope of practice. Healthcare practitioners will be authorized to satisfy screening requirements by referring patients to another qualified practitioner who can screen, diagnose, and treat perinatal mental health conditions. The bill also mandates that health plans and insurers provide case management and care coordination during the perinatal period and annually report on the utilization and outcomes of these services. Additionally, the legislation encourages improvements in screening, treatment, and education, including potential coverage for doulas and training opportunities for obstetric providers. The bill aims to enhance mental health support for individuals during the perinatal period while respecting individual healthcare providers' professional boundaries and existing scopes of practice.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB626