BILL NUMBER: S9259
SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the veterans' services law and the public health law, in
relation to establishing a maternity care coordination program for preg-
nant and postpartum veterans
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To create a maternity care coordination program for pregnant and post-
partum veterans.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 requires the development and implementation of a maternity
care coordination program to provide community maternity care providers
with training and support around the unique needs of pregnant and post-
partum veterans. Specifically, those who served may have specific mental
and behavioral health needs that must be addressed appropriately.
Section 2 states that this act will take effect 180 days after it
becomes law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Individuals who served in the armed forces may experience mental and
behavioral health conditions that must be addressed appropriately when
it comes to maternity care. More generally, veterans have unique lived
experiences that should be valued when they are pregnant and/or postpar-
tum. This bill creates a maternity care coordination program specif-
ically for veterans to provide them with appropriate medical and social
services to ensure positive birth outcomes.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act will take effect 180 days after it shall have become a law.