Bill > A07448

This bill requires maternal health care providers to offer a screening for maternal depression within the first six weeks after birth, unless the birth mother refuses the screening. The bill mandates that health insurance policies, including those for group, individual, and small group plans, must cover these depression screenings as part of standard maternity care. If a patient declines the screening, the healthcare provider must document the refusal in the patient's medical records, and this refusal cannot be used as a basis for denying care or taking action against the patient. The bill also ensures that patients have direct access to depression screenings from their choice of obstetrical, gynecologic, or pediatric service providers. Maternal depression is a serious condition that can affect both the mother and child, and this bill aims to increase early detection and support for new mothers. The provisions will take effect one year after becoming law and will apply to new and renewed insurance policies from that date forward.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7448