ACTNO. 8372BILL NO. 33-0246

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Regular Scssion

2020

An Act amending title 19, chapter 45 of the Virgin Islands Code adding subchapter VI relatingto maternal mental health

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WHEREAS, depression. the most common mood disorder in the general population, isapproximately twice as common in women as in men, with its initial onset peaking during thereproductive-age years;

VHEREAS. perinatal depression is a common complication of pregnancy withpotentially devastating consequences if it goes unrecognized and untreated;

WHEREAS, perinatal depression often goes unrecognized because changes in sleep.appetite, and libido may be attributed to normal pregnancy and postpartum changes;

WHEREAS. perinatal depression, which includes major and minor depressive episodesthat occur during pregnancy or in the first 12 months after delivery, is one of the most commonmedical complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period, affecting one in sevenwomen;

WHEREAS, the prevalence of perinatal depression is a significant cost to individuals,children, families, and the community;

WHEREAS, it is important to identi& pregnant and postpartum women with depressionbecause untreated perinatal depression and other mood disorders can have devasting effects;

‘WHEREAS, maternal suicide is linked to perinatal depression and other mood disorders,such as bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders, exceeds hemorrhage and hypertensive disordersas a cause of maternal mortality;

WHEREAS, initiation of treatment or referral to mental health care providers offersmaximum benefit;

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WHEREAS. the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends thatall obstetrician-gynecologists and other obstetric care providers complete a full assessment ofmood and emotional well-being .including screening for postpartum depression and anxietywith a validated instrument, during the comprehensive postpartum visit for each patient;

WHEREAS, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends thatobstetrician-gynecologists and other obstetric care providers screen patients at least once duringthe perinatal period for depression and anxiety symptoms using a standardized, validated tool;

WHEREAS, several screening instruments have been validated by the American Collegeof Obstetricians and Gynecologists for use during pregnancy and the postpartum period;

WHEREAS, if a patient is screened for depression and anxiety during pregnancy,additional screening should then occur during the comprehensive postpartum visit:

WHEREAS. there is evidence that screening alone can have clinical benefits, althoughinitiation of treatment or referral to mental health care providers offers maximum benefit: and

WHEREAS, clinical staff in obstetrics and gynecology practices should be prepared toinitiate medical therapy, refer patients to appropriate behavioral health resources whenindicated, or both; Noig Therefore,

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands:

SECTION 1. Title 19, chapter 45 of the Virgin Islands Code is amended by addingSubchapter Vito read as follows:

“Subchapter ‘1. Maternal Mental Health

§ 1221. Maternal depression; definition

“Maternal depression” means depression or other perinatal mood or anxiety disorderexperienced by a woman during pregnancy or during the first year following the birth of herchild.

§ 1222. Postpartum depression education and information

(a) The Commissioner of Health shall work with health care facilities, licensedhealth and mental health care professionals, the Women, Infants, and Children (W[C) Program,mental health advocates, consumers, and families in the Territory to develop materials andinformation about postpartum depression, including treatment resources, and develop policiesand procedures to comply with this subchapter.

(b) Physicians, traditional midwives, and other licensed health care professionalsproviding prenatal care to women shall make available to women and their families informationabout postpartum depression.

(c) Hospitals and other health care facilities in the Territory shall provide departingmothers and fathers and other family members, as appropriate, with written information about

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postpartum depression, including its symptoms. methods of coping with the illness, andtreatment resources.

(d) Infonriation about postpartum depression, including its symptoms, potentialimpact on families, and treatment resources, must be available at WIC sites.

§ 1223. Grant program; screening and treatment for pre- and postpartum moodand anxiety disorders establishment; Allowable uses of funds

(a) Within the limits of available appropriations for this purpose, the Commissionerof Health shall identify a grant program to provide culturally competent programs to screen andtreat pregnant women and women who have given birth in the preceding 12 months for pre- andpostpartum mood and anxiety disorders.

(b) The Commissioner shall apply for any available grant hinds from the UnitedStates Department of Health and Human Services for this program.

Thus passed by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands on September 25, 2020.

Witness our Hands and Seal of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands this (Q4ay ofOctober, AD., 2020.

Novelle E. Francis, Jr.

icia,V. BarnesLegi9lative Secretary

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Bill No. 33-0246 is hereby approved.

Witness my hand and the seal of the Government ofthe United States Virgin Islands at Charlotte Amalie,St. Thomas, this jiLday of October, 2020 A.D.

Governor