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A 7448

Requires health care providers facilitate a screening for maternal depression within the first six weeks of a person giving birth

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Durso and 8 co-sponsors

Bill A 7448 mandates health care providers to screen new parents for maternal depression within six weeks postpartum, improving mental health support for families.

REFERRED TO HEALTH
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Bill Summary · A 7448

Summary of Bill A 7448

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 7448
  • Title: Requires health care providers to facilitate a screening for maternal depression within the first six weeks of a person giving birth
  • Status: Referred to Health
  • Introduced: March 28, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 7448 is to address maternal mental health by mandating that health care providers conduct screenings for maternal depression within the first six weeks following childbirth. This initiative aims to identify and support new parents who may be experiencing depression, thereby improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Key Provisions

  • Mandatory Screening: Health care providers will be required to facilitate a screening for maternal depression for individuals who have recently given birth.
  • Timeline for Screening: The screening must occur within the first six weeks postpartum, a critical period for identifying mental health issues that can affect both the parent and child.
  • Support and Resources: The bill may include provisions for connecting individuals who screen positive for maternal depression with appropriate mental health resources and support services.

Impact

  • Target Population: The bill will directly affect new parents, particularly those who give birth, by ensuring they receive timely mental health screenings.
  • Health Care Providers: Hospitals, clinics, and individual health care practitioners will need to implement screening protocols and potentially undergo training to recognize and address maternal depression.
  • Public Health Outcomes: By facilitating early detection of maternal depression, the bill aims to reduce the incidence of untreated mental health issues, which can lead to adverse outcomes for both parents and children.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Status: As of March 28, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Health Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session Bill A 9579 and has a companion bill, S 7012, which may address similar issues in the Senate.

Conclusion

Bill A 7448 represents a proactive approach to maternal mental health by requiring health care providers to screen for depression shortly after childbirth. By ensuring that new parents receive the necessary support during a vulnerable time, the bill seeks to foster healthier families and communities.

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

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