BOSTON—The Massachusetts Senate has given final approval to a bill designed to help new mothers struggling with postpartum depression.
The bill would require Massachusetts health insurers to submit annual reports on their efforts to screen for postpartum depression.
The legislation also calls on the Department of Public Health to develop regulations and policies to address postpartum depression including the creation of public and professional education programs and the use of screening tools.
The bill also creates a special commission on postpartum depression. The commission is charged with determining the best way to prevent, detect and treat postpartum depression and to recommend the best public policies.
The bill is now on the governor's desk.
