Perinatal Behavioral Health Screening Requirements Now In Effect, Strengthening Maternal Mental Health Care Across Maryland

New law expands early identification and referral for behavioral health conditions during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth.

Annapolis, MD — Under the Perinatal Behavioral Health Conditions Act (HB 1118), which took effect on July 1, the Maryland Health Care Commission is studying the fiscal impact of requiring standardized perinatal behavioral health screenings statewide. The Commission's report, due by the end of the year, will help inform future policy decisions on expanding standardized screening requirements across Maryland.

"After the passage of the Maryland Maternal Health Act of 2024, I reflected on testimony our committee received from someone who lost their loved one by suicide, three months after giving birth to their baby," said Delegate Jennifer White Holland, sponsor of HB 1118. "Paired with our statewide data and my own recent experience as a new mom, I knew we needed to strengthen our systems of care to better address perinatal mental health. Four months into my own postpartum journey, I brought together advocates, perinatal mental health providers, insurers, health officers, hospitals, state agencies, doulas, nurses, providers, midwives, and nonprofit organizations to advance this bill. This is a critical step, and we know there is more work to be done."

Sponsored by Delegate Jennifer White Holland, the legislation strengthens Maryland's approach to maternal mental health through phased implementation. While perinatal behavioral health screenings are already occurring and generally covered by insurance, beginning January 1, 2027, the law formally codifies coverage requirements, establishes standing referrals for follow-up behavioral health care, and requires the Maryland Department of Health to develop and implement perinatal behavioral health training for health care providers to improve care for pregnant and postpartum patients.

The implementation comes during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, underscoring the importance of expanding access to maternal mental health care and addressing disparities that disproportionately affect Black women and other communities of color.

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common complications of pregnancy and the postpartum period, affecting an estimated one in five mothers, yet many go undiagnosed and untreated. While mothers of every race can experience perinatal behavioral health conditions, women of color—particularly Black women—face elevated risks.

"Far too many Black mothers face barriers to receiving timely behavioral health care during pregnancy and after childbirth," said Delegate N. Scott Phillips, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. "The Perinatal Behavioral Health Conditions Act advances our efforts to strengthen maternal mental health care by laying the groundwork for standardized screening, improving connections to behavioral health services, and better equipping providers to recognize and respond to perinatal mental health conditions. During National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, this legislation reminds us that mental health is maternal health, and every mother deserves access to compassionate, high-quality care."

The legislation was developed in collaboration with a broad coalition including advocacy organizations, community birth workers, providers, hospitals, public health professionals, perinatal mental health advocates, state and local agencies and insurers.