The first postpartum/perinatal mood disorder legislation affecting ALL mothers, not only high risk mothers was brought to the Hawaii State Senate on January 18, 2008. It has passed the 1st reading and went to 2 committees; the Ways and Means committee and the committee on Health. It's not a done deal--click on the Bill number, below, to keep track of what is happening. Contact your district representative (link) to weigh in on this important issue.
Hawaii State Legislature
Bill SB2338
Postpartum depression screening
(a) The department shall:
(1) Adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to ensure that all postpartum patients are screened for symptoms of postpartum depression prior to discharge from a health care facility and at the first postnatal check-up with the postpartum patient's health care provider;
(2) Determine the postpartum depression screening methodology to be used; and
(3) Provide educational materials to postpartum patients and their family members, as appropriate, on postpartum depression, including the symptoms, any available support groups, and treatment resources.