MD Policy

SB 1059 (2024)  Maryland Maternal Health Act 2024:  Establishes requirements on local health departments and certain health care providers and facilities regarding maternal health, including requirements regarding prenatal risk assessment forms and postpartum infant and maternal referral forms. Requires the Secretary of Health to develop a Maryland Report Card for Birthing Facility Maternity Care, and requires hospitals and freestanding birthing centers to participate in the Severe Maternal Morbidity Surveillance Program. The bill also mandates providing resources tailored to high-risk patients within 48 hours of delivery, including resources related to maternal mental health and substance use.

SB 600/HB 775 (2017): Requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to identify information about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders; make available specified information on the Department’s Web site; develop a plan to expand the Maryland Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care (BHIPP) program to assist obstetric, primary care, and other health care providers in addressing the emotional and mental health needs of pregnant and postpartum women; and submit the plan to specified committees of the General Assembly by December 1, 2017.

SB 74 (2015): Establishes a Task Force to study Maternal Mental Health; requires Task Force to submit a report to the governor by December 31, 2016.