R 137

2015 -- S 0419 Enacted 03/19/2015

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO EXAMINE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING THE CARE OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Introduced By: Senator Joshua Miller

Date Introduced: February 25, 2015

WHEREAS, Postpartum depression confronts new mothers and their families throughout

the nation and within the Ocean State. In Rhode Island, more than 1 in 10 new mothers report

experiencing frequent postpartum depressive symptoms, including a sad mood, loss of interest in

many activities, feelings of worthlessness, problems in thinking or concentrating, and changes in

eating or sleeping; and

WHEREAS, A number of health care providers regularly see mothers-to-be and new

mothers, in doctors' offices, hospitals, and birthing centers. These interactions present

opportunities to educate women regarding postpartum depression and screen for this condition;

and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Department of Health works with health care facilities

and licensed health care professionals throughout the state to ensure that women have access to

quality care during the perinatal period; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby respectfully requests the Director of the Department of Health to examine the state’s

health care policies and procedures to ensure that women in Rhode Island and their families have

the opportunity to become educated about and screened for postpartum depression; and be it

further

RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby respectfully requests the Director to oversee the

creation of educational materials about postpartum depression, including its symptoms, methods

of coping with the illness, and treatment resources available to them, in order to ensure that all

birthing facilities in the state provide this information to departing new mothers and fathers and

other family members, as appropriate, and to ensure that these materials align with the

recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby respectfully requests the Director to provide the

Senate with a written report on or before January 7, 2016, that describes the type and frequency

of screening for postpartum depression that is provided to women in their postnatal care, prior to

their discharge from the birthing facility, and at the first few postnatal check-up visits; and be it

further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Director of the Rhode Island Department of

Health, the Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), and the

Director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals

(BHDDH).

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LC001872

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