Requires Depression Screenings for New Mothers
New York · S07012 · Introduced Mar 28, 2025
Why it matters
New mothers would be screened for depression more often, and insurance would help pay for it. Refusing a screening cannot lead to denied care. The law would take effect one year after it is signed into law.
What it does
- Providers must offer a depression screening before the patient leaves the birthing facility
- Providers must offer a second screening at the first postnatal visit within six weeks of birth
- Patients who refuse screening cannot be punished or denied care for refusing
- Insurers must cover maternity depression screenings as part of maternity care
- Insurers cannot limit a patient's direct access to screening from a provider of their choice
Status
Latest action (2026-10-30): PRINT NUMBER 7012A
About this bill
Would require providers to offer maternal depression screenings before discharge and at the first postnatal visit. Insurers would have to cover them, and the law would take effect one year after enactment.
Requires health care providers facilitate a screening for maternal depression, unless refused by the birth mother, prior to the patient leaving the birthing facility and during the first postnatal visit, and that such screening be covered by insurance.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Maternal health groups would likely say early screening catches depression sooner. Insurance coverage would remove cost as a barrier to getting checked.
💬 The case against
Some health care providers would likely say the new record-keeping adds paperwork. Insurers may worry about higher costs from covering more screenings.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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