State Rep. Kathy Rapp | Pennsylvania 65th Legislative District
State Rep. Kathy Rapp | Pennsylvania 65th Legislative District
Rep. Kathy L. Rapp, the Republican chair of the House Health Committee, has announced that an amended bill regarding postpartum depression screening has been unanimously approved by the House. The amendment proposed by Rapp instructs medical professionals to conduct postpartum depression screenings upon delivery and during the initial postnatal check-ups. Importantly, it removes the former requirements for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) screening and information distribution. It instead offers health care providers the option to distribute educational and resource information to perinatal and postpartum patients.
Rapp commented, “Health systems and health care providers don’t need another mandate to screen for postpartum depression. It’s already part of best practice for most provider groups. However, making information about PMAD accessible is an important step to support maternal mental health. That’s why my amendment preserves the language of the original bill to develop educational materials and a public awareness campaign.”
The bill will next be considered by the Senate.
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