NY A09579

Requires maternal health care providers to facilitate a screening for maternal depression within the first six weeks of birth.

Allows birth mothers to decline screening; providers must document the refusal in medical records and cannot use refusal as basis for denying care or services.

Protects providers from liability under Education Law section 6530 when a birth mother refuses the screening.

Mandates that maternity care coverage under all insurance policies include maternal depression screenings in accordance with public health law requirements.

Takes effect one year after enactment and applies to policies issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended on or after the effective date.