Report Title:

Postnatal Care; Postpartum Depression Screening

Description:

Requires that every postpartum patient be screened for postpartum depression symptoms prior to discharge and at the first postnatal check‑up.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2338
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to postpartum depression.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part    .  POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION SCREENING

§321‑     Postpartum depression screening.  (a)  The department shall:

     (1)  Adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to ensure that all postpartum patients are screened for symptoms of postpartum depression prior to discharge from a health care facility and at the first postnatal check‑up with the postpartum patient's health care provider;

     (2)  Determine the postpartum depression screening methodology to be used; and

     (3)  Provide educational materials to postpartum patients and their family members, as appropriate, on postpartum depression, including the symptoms, any available support groups, and treatment resources.

     (b)  Every person in charge of a health care facility caring for a pregnant woman and every health care provider permitted by law to attend a pregnant woman during the period of gestation or at delivery shall ensure that a postpartum patient under the care of the health care facility is screened for postpartum depression symptoms prior to discharge from the health care facility and at the first postnatal check‑up.

     (c)  As used in this section:

     "Health care facility" means an institution, facility, or agency with an organized medical staff regulated under section 321‑11(10) or under chapter 323F.

     "Health care provider" means a person who is licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized or permitted by law to administer health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession."

     SECTION 2.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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