Jun. 11, 2024
HARRISBURG — Rep. Kathy L. Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/Forest), Republican chair of the House Health Committee, announced a bill she amended that would instruct medical professionals to conduct a postpartum screening for depression upon delivery and at the first few postnatal check-up visits was unanimously approved by the House. Rapp’s amendment removes the Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) screening and information distribution requirements, and instead gives providers the option to hand out educational and resource information to their perinatal and postpartum patients.
“Health systems and health care providers don’t need another mandate to screen for postpartum depression,” Rapp said. “It’s already part of best practice for most provider groups. However, making information about PMAD accessible is an important step to support maternal mental health. That’s why my amendment preserves the language of the original bill to develop educational materials and a public awareness campaign.”
House Bill 2127 now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Kathy Rapp
65th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jake Gillespie
717.772.9834
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