MarylandSB 08912026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Health, Health Insurance, and Health Occupations - Perinatal Behavioral Health Conditions

Sponsored By: Dawn Gile (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Health - InsuranceHealth OccupationsPublic HealthHealth Maintenance OrganizationsApplicants and ApplicationsCertificationsCommittees and CommissionsContinuing EducationCounselors and TherapistsEvaluations and ReviewsHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Health Care CommissionHealth, Department ofHealth Insurance -see also- ACA; HMOs; MCOsHealth Maintenance Organizations -see also- Manage Care OrgsHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Hospitals -see also- Clinics; State HospitalsJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLanguage -see also- Communications; LiteracyLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMedical AssistanceMedical Conditions -see also- AIDS; COVID-19; rabiesMedical Testing and DiagnosisMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.Nonprofit OrganizationsNoticesNurses -see also- Nurse Practitioners; Nursing AssistantsParents and GuardiansPatientsPhysicians -see also- MedExmnrs; Pediatr; Psychiatrists etc.PregnancyPsychiatristsPsychologistsReportsRules and RegulationsSocial WorkersStandards and Best PracticesSupplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Mental health screening at baby visits covered

The law makes perinatal mental health screening part of baby well‑child visits in the first year, when your provider thinks it is needed. Private health plans in Maryland must cover these screenings for plans issued, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027. Maryland Medicaid covers these screenings starting January 1, 2027. Ask your child’s provider about screening at routine checkups.

Standing referral for pregnancy mental health care

If you are pregnant, you must get a standing referral to a behavioral health provider. It lasts through pregnancy and for 1 year after the pregnancy ends. It applies to licensed providers and services recognized as preventive by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Broader pregnancy and postpartum condition definition

The law expands the definition of a perinatal behavioral health condition. It covers conditions during pregnancy and for 1 year after it ends. It includes pregnancies that do not result in a live birth and names postpartum depression.

Pregnancy and postpartum mental health info shared

The Maryland Department of Health provides expert‑reviewed, culturally and linguistically appropriate information about perinatal mental health. Providers must give this information to patients at least once each trimester. Birthing hospitals must give it to birthing parents at discharge. The Department also identifies free, validated, multilingual screening tools and helps providers connect patients with referral programs.

Clinician training and double CE credit

The Maryland Department of Health sets up training to help clinicians spot perinatal mental health issues early, including accredited CME. Boards must give at least 2 hours of board credit for every 1 hour of approved perinatal training. This credit rule applies at a clinician’s first license or certificate renewal after April 1, 2027.

When these pregnancy coverage rules start

Most of the law takes effect July 1, 2026. Sections 1 and 2 take effect January 1, 2027. The plan rules in Section 1 apply to policies issued, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Dawn Gile
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Pamela Beidle
Democratic • Senate
Katie Fry Hester
Democratic • Senate
Shelly Hettleman
Democratic • Senate
Nancy J. King
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 171 • No: 8

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 129 • No: 8 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/8/2026