The bill H.B. No. 2025-2026 aims to establish new provisions regarding behavioral health screenings during the perinatal period in Ohio. It introduces sections 3702.41, 3902.65, and 5119.172 to the Revised Code, defining key terms such as "health care professional," "behavioral health professional," and "perinatal." The bill allows health care and behavioral health professionals to screen women or mothers for behavioral health disorders during perinatal and pediatric care, provided that the individual consents to the screening. If a screening indicates potential risks, the professional is required to offer referrals to specialized perinatal behavioral health services or notify emergency personnel if there is an immediate risk of harm.

Additionally, the bill mandates that health benefit plans provide coverage for these behavioral health screenings, while allowing for cost-sharing requirements. The Department of Behavioral Health is tasked with designating specialized perinatal behavioral health programs to serve as referral resources, ensuring accessibility for patients and informing relevant health care facilities about the referral process. The bill also includes an appropriation of $2,000,000 for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to support partnerships with organizations that facilitate access to perinatal behavioral health care.