Substitute House Bill No. 7214, also known as Special Act No. 25-7, mandates the Commissioner of Public Health to establish an advisory committee tasked with studying and recommending improvements to perinatal mental health care services in the state. The committee will explore various aspects, including the challenges and benefits of making hospitals more doula-friendly, the risk factors associated with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, evidence-based treatment practices, and the elimination of racial and ethnic disparities in care. The advisory committee will consist of diverse members, including individuals with personal experience in perinatal mental health, healthcare professionals, and representatives from relevant organizations.

The bill requires the Commissioner to submit an initial report by February 1, 2026, and a final report by January 1, 2027, detailing the findings and recommendations from the advisory committee's study. The legal language inserted into the current law emphasizes the need for comprehensive examination and collaboration among various stakeholders to enhance perinatal mental health services, while no specific legal language is deleted from existing statutes.