CT HB07214

Commissioner of Public Health must convene an advisory committee to study improving perinatal mental health care services and making hospitals more doula-friendly in Connecticut

Study topics include risk factors for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, evidence-based treatments, culturally congruent practices to eliminate racial/ethnic disparities, workforce development, and funding models

Advisory committee includes 17 members representing patients/caregivers, healthcare providers (obstetricians, pediatricians, psychiatrists, nurses, midwives, doulas), managed care, hospitals, lactation consultants, and state commissioners

Study must examine doula-related issues including hospital access policies, impact on maternal mortality and cesarean rates, reimbursement models for Medicaid and private insurance, and barriers to hospital integration

Initial report due to the General Assembly's public health committee by February 1, 2026; final report due by January 1, 2027