§ 10123.867. — 10123.867. (Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 815, Sec. 2.)

(a)
A health insurer shall develop a maternal mental health program designed to promote quality and cost-effective outcomes. The program shall consist of at least one maternal mental health screening to be conducted during pregnancy, at least one additional screening to be conducted during the first six weeks
of the postpartum period, and additional postpartum screenings, if determined to be medically necessary and clinically appropriate in the judgment of the treating provider. The program shall be developed consistent with sound clinical principles and processes, and shall include quality measures to encourage screening, diagnosis, treatment, and referral. The program guidelines and criteria shall be provided to relevant medical providers, including all contracting obstetric providers. As part of the maternal mental health program, a health insurer is encouraged to improve screening, treatment, and referral to maternal mental health services, include coverage for doulas, incentivize training opportunities for contracting obstetric providers, and educate insureds about the program.
(b)
For the purposes of this section:
(1)
“Contracting obstetric provider” means an individual who is certified or licensed pursuant to Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code, or an initiative act referred to in that division, and who is contracted with the insured’s health insurer to provide services under the insured’s health insurance policy.
(2)
“Maternal mental health” means a mental health condition that occurs during pregnancy or during the postpartum period and includes, but is not limited to, postpartum depression.
(c)
This section does not apply to specialized health insurers, except behavioral health-only
insurers that provide coverage for professional mental health services.

Legislative History

Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 815, Sec. 2. (AB 1936) Effective January 1, 2025.