NY A09085

Establishes a maternal mental health workgroup within the office of mental health led by the commissioner of mental health, including representatives from state agencies, mental health organizations, healthcare providers, and health insurance industry.

Requires at least one-third of workgroup members to be from historically underrepresented communities disproportionately impacted by underdiagnosis of maternal mental health disorders, with reimbursement for reasonable expenses including childcare, travel, meals, and lodging.

Directs the workgroup to identify vulnerable populations, risk factors, and recommend culturally competent prevention and treatment strategies for maternal mental health and perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.

Requires the workgroup to identify successful programs from other states, evidence-based practices, funding models, and make recommendations on legislation and budgetary priorities for addressing maternal mental health needs.

Mandates submission of final report with all findings and recommendations to the governor, legislature leaders, and relevant commissioners by December 31, 2022, with the workgroup expiring two years after the act takes effect.