The bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) to create and execute a comprehensive plan to improve access to perinatal mental health services, specifically addressing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This initiative will involve collaboration with the Perinatal Mental Health Coalition of New Jersey and the Maternal Child Health Consortia. Key strategies include raising awareness among healthcare providers, establishing a referral network for treatment, enhancing access to peer support services, and implementing standardized data collection for monitoring services. Additionally, the bill introduces requirements for screening women for risk factors associated with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum.

Moreover, the bill requires health insurers, including various service corporations and individual health insurance policies, to cover the costs of screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, ensuring this coverage is equivalent to that of any other medical condition. It also mandates that the State Health Benefits Commission and the School Employees Health Benefits Commission include coverage for screening expenses in all relevant contracts. Healthcare professionals and certified peer specialists providing perinatal care must complete continuing education courses on perinatal mental health. The bill aims to enhance the referral network for mental health care providers and ensure comprehensive screening and support, with an effective date set for four months after enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2-178.1