This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) to enhance public education and screening for perinatal anxiety, a condition affecting women during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. The Commissioner of Health, in collaboration with the State Board of Medical Examiners and the New Jersey Board of Nursing, is tasked with developing policies that require healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive information about perinatal anxiety to patients and their families. This includes screening for the disorder at least once during each trimester of pregnancy and again during postnatal check-ups. The bill emphasizes the importance of including fathers and family members in the education and treatment processes to foster a supportive environment for new mothers.

Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of a public awareness campaign to inform the public about perinatal anxiety, its symptoms, coping methods, and treatment options, contingent upon sufficient funding. The screening for perinatal anxiety may utilize the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) or another approved method. The bill aims to address the often-overlooked issue of perinatal anxiety, which can have significant implications for both mothers and their families, by promoting early recognition and treatment.