State mandates regarding postpartum depression.
OBJECTIVE
Postpartum depression continues to be undertreated. This project identified state policies that have been enacted regarding peripartum mental health and assessed how effective they might be.


METHODS
A systematic search strategy was used to detect state-level legislative initiatives. Legislative tracking resources were used to determine which were enacted. Policies were sorted into categories. Related evidence was reviewed to gauge the impact of each category.


RESULTS
Thirteen states have enacted one or more state-level peripartum mental health policies. Categories include patient education mandates, depression screening mandates, mandated task force, and public awareness campaigns. Those mandating screening include Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia. Related outcomes evidence suggests a very limited impact.


CONCLUSIONS
Several states have enacted policies addressing peripartum mental health, but these are probably not influencing clinical outcomes. Home visits with a mental health component are effective for postpartum depression; state policies could support home visits.
Dr. Rowan is with the Department of Management, Policy, and Community Health, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston (e-mail: paul.j.rowan@uth.tmc.edu ). Mr. Duckett is with Navigant Consulting, Inc., Washington, D.C. Mr. Wang is with the College of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin.
Paul J
PJ
Rowan
Stephen A
SA
Duckett
John E
JE
Wang
D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007883:Legislation, Medical; D037141:Mandatory Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013221:State Health Plans / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States