The bill focuses on enhancing the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's (DPH) efforts to address postpartum depression (PPD) through improved data collection and reporting, as mandated by existing legislation. It requires healthcare providers, including obstetricians and advanced practice nurses, to report PPD screening data to the DPH using annual written reports or specific healthcare coding systems. New provisions include the creation of a dedicated DPH web page for PPD reporting, integration of data into the All Payer Claims Database (APCD), and the use of standardized screening tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The bill also emphasizes the role of community health centers in PPD screening and intervention, providing funding for programs that assist with screening and referrals.

Additionally, the bill introduces the Welcome Family program, which offers postpartum support through home visits by experienced nurses, focusing on key areas such as parental emotional health and nutrition. Each visit is free and occurs within eight weeks postpartum, with follow-up calls to assess outcomes. The legislation also aims to support healthcare providers and health plans by maintaining a dedicated web page for PPD resources, distributing educational materials, and funding research on early intervention programs. Overall, the bill seeks to improve the identification and treatment of PPD, thereby enhancing maternal and child health outcomes in the Commonwealth.