WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SD 992

An Act to establish a perinatal behavioral health care workforce trust fund

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Keenan and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill creates trust fund to expand perinatal mental health workforce through training, loan forgiveness, and recruitment programs for pregnant and postpartum individuals.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 992

Legislative bill overview

SD 992 establishes a dedicated trust fund in Massachusetts to finance workforce development and training programs focused on perinatal behavioral health care—addressing mental health and substance use disorders in pregnant individuals and new mothers. The bill allocates state resources to expand the supply of qualified mental health professionals specializing in perinatal care through education, loan forgiveness, and recruitment incentives.

Why is this important

Perinatal mental health conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety affect 1 in 5 mothers but remain significantly undertreated due to workforce shortages and inadequate training. This targeted investment addresses a critical gap in maternal health care that directly impacts maternal mortality, infant outcomes, and family well-being.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Trust fund establishment requires state funding; debate over budget priorities and whether dedicated funds are preferable to general appropriations
  • Scope and definition: Disagreement over which conditions qualify as "perinatal behavioral health" and whether substance use disorder treatment should be equally prioritized
  • Workforce pipeline effectiveness: Questions about whether loan forgiveness and training incentives will meaningfully increase specialists in underserved areas versus benefiting only certain regions
  • Integration with existing programs: Concerns about coordination with current maternal health initiatives and whether new infrastructure duplicates existing efforts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.