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Committee advances bill to promote perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening and awareness
Summary
AB 947 was amended to replace references to 'perinatal anxiety' with 'perinatal mood and anxiety disorders,' to require evidence-based information and guideline-based screening, and to delay effective date by six months; the committee voted to release the bill with amendments.
The Health Committee voted to release Assembly Bill 947 with committee amendments that broaden language and adjust screening requirements for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Under the amendments, references to “perinatal anxiety” were replaced throughout with “perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.” The committee removed a requirement that the Commissioner of Health and certain licensing boards work with facilities to develop screening policies and removed a specific required screening instrument; instead, the amendments say that, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, multiple validated screening tools exist and physicians and licensed prenatal care providers should use evidence‑based clinical practice guidelines. The amendments also require birthing facilities to give postpartum patients evidence‑based information on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and move the bill’s effective date to six months after enactment.
Chairwoman Murphy thanked the committee for its votes and said the measures address an important national and state issue for pregnant and postpartum patients. There were no proponents who requested to testify in person; two written slips were filed in favor.
During roll call, members recorded mostly affirmative votes; one member abstained, citing concerns about mandates on medical practice. The bill was released from committee with amendments and will proceed to the Assembly floor.
