CT SB00471

Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall develop and implement a five-year strategic plan by January 1, 2021, and every five years thereafter to improve access to perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening, referral, treatment and support services.

Strategic plan shall address provider awareness, establish referral networks of community-based mental health providers, increase women's access to peer support services, reduce stigma, and leverage funding sources for perinatal mental health services.

Commissioner shall report to the joint standing committee on public health by January 1, 2022 regarding implementation of the strategic plan and recommendations for legislation.

Effective October 1, 2020, each hospital shall be required to include training in implicit bias for staff members who provide direct care to pregnant women or those in the postpartum period.

Implicit bias is defined as an attitude or internalized stereotype affecting perceptions, actions and decisions in an unconscious manner based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or other characteristics.