California: New screening requirements for pregnant and postpartum patients

The state recently announced new mental health screening requirements for health care professionals who provide prenatal and/or postpartum care. You’ll need to provide at least 1 maternal mental health screening to be conducted during pregnancy, at least 1 additional screening to be conducted during the first 6 weeks of the postpartum period and additional postpartum screenings, if determined to be medically necessary.

Guidelines for maternal mental health screenings

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends OB-GYNs and other obstetric health care professionals screen patients for depression and anxiety at the initial prenatal visit, later in pregnancy and at postpartum visits using a standardized, validated tool.

Clinical staff should be prepared to start medical therapy and/or refer patients to appropriate behavioral health resources.

How to perform maternal mental health screenings

• Use a screening tool like the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or other standardized tool during pregnancy and/or postpartum period
• Refer the member to behavioral health and/or substance abuse services as needed
• Monitor the referral process to help ensure the member successfully receives treatment

Resources

Maternal and mental health screening quick reference guide.