In a significant move to improve access to physical and mental health care for pregnant individuals and new parents, the Massachusetts Senate has unanimously passed legislation aimed at expanding support systems for families across the state. The newly approved bill, S.2899 – An Act relative to increasing access to perinatal health care, seeks to address the unique health care needs of people during pregnancy, childbirth, and the critical postpartum period. By enhancing services and providing more resources, the legislation aims to ensure that both parents and newborns remain healthy and well-supported as they embark on the journey of parenthood.
One of the core elements of this bill is its emphasis on mental health. Recognizing the challenges many individuals face in the postpartum period, the legislation requires that both MassHealth and commercial insurance plans cover screenings for post-pregnancy depression. It also mandates that the Department of Public Health (DPH) develop a comprehensive, accessible digital resource center dedicated to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This proactive approach ensures that new parents have access to the necessary mental health resources and support systems during what can be a particularly vulnerable time.
In addition to expanding mental health care access, the bill includes provisions aimed at improving overall physical care for new parents. It mandates that individuals receiving postnatal care be offered screenings for post-pregnancy depression by their healthcare providers. Pediatricians will also play a role, as they are required to offer similar screenings during infant wellness visits. This widespread approach ensures that mental health care is integrated into the broader framework of perinatal health care, helping to identify and address issues early on, when intervention can be most effective.
The bill also tackles other important issues faced by families during the perinatal period, including pregnancy loss, adoption, and surrogacy. Under the new legislation, earned sick time can now be used for these events, providing greater financial security for individuals navigating difficult circumstances. Additionally, a new grant program will fund community-based organizations that focus on mental health and substance use disorders in medically underserved populations, ensuring that more individuals have access to the care they need, no matter their background or resources.
Finally, the legislation takes significant steps to improve access to midwifery and doula care, both of which play vital roles in supporting families throughout pregnancy and beyond. The bill establishes a licensure program for professional midwives, allowing them to prescribe certain medications and administer controlled substances under a statewide standing order. It also mandates insurance coverage for certified nurse-midwives, ensuring that midwifery services are both accessible and affordable for more families. Additionally, the bill requires MassHealth to cover doula services for a broader group of individuals, including pregnant and postpartum individuals, as well as adoptive parents, ensuring that more families can benefit from the expertise and emotional support that doulas provide.
This comprehensive piece of legislation also includes several other provisions, such as creating regulations for the operation of freestanding birth centers, expanding access to the DPH universal postpartum home visiting program, and ensuring that ultrasound services are only administered under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals. By prioritizing both physical and mental health care, and making key services more accessible, this new law promises to improve the overall well-being of parents and infants in Massachusetts for years to come.
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For media questions, please contact:
Giselle Rivera-Flores, Director of Communications at giselle.riveraflores@masenate.gov
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