The bill, known as Substitute House Bill No. 7214, mandates the Commissioner of Public Health to convene an advisory committee tasked with studying and making recommendations on two key areas: the improvement of perinatal mental health care services and the enhancement of hospital environments to be more doula-friendly. The study will encompass a wide range of topics, including the identification of vulnerable populations, evidence-based treatment practices, cultural competency in care, and the impact of doula support on maternal health outcomes. The advisory committee will consist of various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

House Amendment "A" significantly alters the original bill by eliminating the establishment of a 16-member Perinatal Mental Health Task Force and the requirement for an annual maternity care report card for certain birth centers and hospitals. Instead, it focuses on the advisory committee's role in studying the aforementioned areas within available appropriations. The bill does not impose any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities, as the advisory committee is expected to have the necessary expertise to fulfill its responsibilities. The initial report from the committee is due by February 1, 2026, with a final report expected by January 1, 2027.