NY A02944

Establishes a maternal mental health workgroup within the office of mental health, consisting of commissioners of mental health, children and family services, and health, plus representatives from mental health organizations, maternal health providers, health care 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.

Workgroup members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for actual expenses including childcare, travel, meals, and lodging to ensure participation from underrepresented communities.

Workgroup must identify vulnerable populations and risk factors for maternal mental health disorders during pregnancy through the first postpartum year, and recommend prevention, screening, treatment strategies, evidence-based practices, and funding models.

Workgroup must submit a final report with findings and recommendations to the governor, legislative leaders, and state commissioners by December 31, 2023; the act expires two years after taking effect.