36-503.04. Maternal mental health conditions; educational materials and information; distribution; definitions

A. The department shall identify and compile relevant educational materials and information for health care professionals and patients regarding maternal mental health conditions, including postpartum depression, that have been developed by organizations with expertise in maternal mental health conditions. The materials shall include information on the symptoms and methods of coping with postpartum depression, as well as treatment options and resources. If the department is unable to identify existing materials that comply with the requirements of this subsection, the department shall develop written educational materials and information, taking into consideration relevant clinical practice guidelines, peer-reviewed studies and recommendations from experts in maternal mental health care, including the centers for disease control and prevention, professional associations and patient advocacy groups.

B. The department shall post the materials and information required by subsection A of this section on its public website. The department shall make available or distribute the materials and information in physical form on request.

C. The department shall periodically review the materials and information to determine their accuracy and ensure that they reflect the most up-to-date and accurate information.

D. A health care institution shall provide each departing new parent and other family members, as appropriate, with written materials and information compiled or developed pursuant to subsection A of this section on the new parent's discharge from the health care institution.

E. Each health care institution, primary care physician and primary care practitioner, or any other health professional who renders prenatal or postnatal care or who provides pediatric infant care, shall provide the materials and information compiled or developed pursuant to subsection A of this section to any woman on learning of a pregnancy or who presents with signs of a maternal mental health disorder at any time during a pregnancy or postpartum period.

F. For the purposes of this section:

1. "Health care institution" has the same meaning prescribed in section 36-401.

2. "Primary care physician" and "primary care practitioner" have the same meanings prescribed in section 36-2901.