CA AB3032

Requires general acute care hospitals and special hospitals with perinatal units to develop and implement a maternal mental health program by January 1, 2020.

Program must include education and information about maternal mental health conditions (including postpartum depression) for postpartum women, families, and perinatal unit employees such as nurses and social workers.

Establishes that maternal mental health conditions affect one in five women during or after pregnancy and that untreated conditions cause adverse birth outcomes, impaired bonding, and estimated costs of $22,500 per mother.

Program must provide information on posthospital treatment options and community resources for postpartum women and families.

Hospitals may include additional services in the program as determined necessary to provide optimal patient care.