Senators Timken and Weinstein say SB 352 would create a statewide referral network for perinatal behavioral health with $2M to scale peer‑supported care

Senators Timken and Weinstein told the Senate Finance Committee that Senate Bill 352 would create a statewide, regionally organized pathway to ensure that mothers who screen positive for perinatal behavioral health concerns receive direct referrals to care and follow‑up support.

Senator Timken described the legislation’s central design: "Under SB 352, Ohio would be divided into regions staffed with trained perinatal mental health professionals and peer supporters. When a screening provider identifies a mother in need, they would make a direct referral to a regional team. That team could provide telehealth peer support and facilitate a warm handoff to clinical services." He framed the bill as a way to reduce disparities in access, especially in rural areas where providers are scarce.

Senator Weinstein, the joint sponsor, emphasized screening without a pathway is insufficient and said the bill attaches a $2,000,000 general revenue appropriation to build the referral network, coordinate training, and identify and supervise peer supporters. Weinstein said the model has worked in local communities and the legislation seeks to scale it statewide, leveraging federal rural health transformation funds.

Committee members raised questions about the scope and funding. Some asked whether the proposal focused only on rural areas; sponsors said the program is statewide. Others asked whether cost sharing or insurance coverage would change; sponsors said SB 352 does not change insurance rules and the appropriation is intended for network setup, training, and staffing rather than insurance subsidies. Members requested clarifications on implementation details and comparisons to existing local programs.

Next steps: Sponsor testimony concluded; committee requested follow‑up language clarifications and implementation details from sponsors and staff.