Subcommittee reviews Special Act 257, workforce shortfalls, screening barriers and next steps

Staff summarized the statutory charge (Special Act 257, derived from HB7214/SA27): the Department of Public Health is to convene an advisory committee to study perinatal mental‑health services, identify vulnerable populations, scan evidence‑based and promising practices, and issue a consolidated report and recommendations by Jan. 1. Staff emphasized the statute frames this work as a synthesis of literature and practice, not a new IRB study.

Participants reviewed a Policy Center state report card as a working blueprint and discussed measurable workforce and access metrics. Presenters said Connecticut has about 35,000 births a year and estimated a need for roughly 178 perinatal behavioral‑health providers; the state currently lists about 149 certified providers, a gap speakers said the subcommittee should address. Staff noted Hartford Hospital has a perinatal mental‑health intensive outpatient program (IOP) that will be reflected in next year’s metrics.

The group addressed screening and reimbursement: prenatal screening rates lagged behind postpartum screening, and providers cited two common barriers to effective screening — lack of provider training on how to respond to disclosures, and lack of referral capacity. One participant described a realistic reason patients underreport substance use on screens: fear that disclosure could trigger a child‑protective services (DCF) response. Speakers recommended coupling any screening requirements with provider training and clear referral pathways so clinicians know what to do following a positive screen.

Several members urged inviting a DSS/Medicaid representative for future meetings to advise on reimbursement and policy levers; staff confirmed the subcommittee can invite guest presenters without initiating a formal appointment process, while formal committee membership follows a separate vetting route.

Members also discussed outreach and recruitment: staff reported more than 30 expressions of interest to the health equity email after an earlier outreach. The group identified a key risk period beyond the immediate postpartum window — the six‑week‑plus period — and recommended the committee consider supports extending through at least the first postpartum year.

Next steps: staff will circulate slides and minutes, the chairs will prepare materials for the full task force, and the subcommittee will meet again before the full task force (next subcommittee meeting scheduled for May 7).