ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4193

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 17, 2024

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4193.

      This bill expands an existing law that directs the Commissioner of Health (commissioner), in conjunction with the State Board of Medical Examiners and the New Jersey Board of Nursing, to work with health care facilities and licensed health care professionals in the State to develop certain policies and procedures that address the issue of postpartum depression.  This bill adds a provision to the law mandating the commissioner to develop a policy requiring physicians, nurse midwives, and other licensed health care professionals providing prenatal care to women to offer, and provide upon request, pregnant patients with a history of depression a prenatal screening for postpartum depression.  Current policies under the law include patient and family education regarding postpartum depression and postnatal screenings for postpartum depression for all applicable patients.