This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) to enhance public awareness and establish policies regarding perinatal anxiety, a condition affecting women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The legislation requires healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurse midwives, to provide comprehensive information about perinatal anxiety to patients and their families, screen for the disorder at least once during each trimester, and include family members in the education and treatment processes. Additionally, birthing facilities must inform new parents about perinatal anxiety before discharge, and screenings should utilize the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) or another approved method.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of early recognition and treatment of perinatal anxiety, which can significantly impact both mothers and their families. The Commissioner of Health is tasked with launching a public awareness campaign to educate the public on the symptoms, coping strategies, and treatment options for perinatal anxiety. The bill also stipulates that the commissioner will adopt necessary rules and regulations to ensure the effective implementation of these provisions, aiming to reduce stigma and improve support for affected individuals.