Bill > H4625

This bill establishes the Parental Perinatal Mental Health Screening and Education Act, which requires healthcare providers and facilities in South Carolina to offer voluntary mental health screenings to both mothers and fathers (or other adult birthing partners) during pregnancy and postpartum periods. The bill defines key terms like "adult birthing partner" and mandates that healthcare providers offer screenings at specific times: during prenatal visits after 24 weeks and at postpartum discharge or follow-up. Participation is completely voluntary, and providers cannot condition care on screening completion. Healthcare facilities must provide free educational materials about postpartum depression in accessible formats, and if screenings indicate elevated mental health risks, providers must inform the individual and offer referral information. The bill emphasizes privacy protections, ensuring screening results are treated as confidential health information and cannot be disclosed without consent. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, in coordination with other state agencies, will develop guidance, standardized materials, and training resources, and make Medicaid reimbursement available for these services. Importantly, the bill includes liability protections for healthcare providers who offer screenings in good faith and explicitly states that it does not create a private right of action against providers or state agencies.

Health and Social Services

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4625&session=126&summary=B