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23-185M Reminder: Maternity Care Includes Mental Health Screening

Health Net·CA · OB-GYN, Family Medicine·Provider News
Effective date
Not stated
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Days to comply
—

Summary

Healthcare providers treating maternity patients must now conduct mental health screenings using approved tools (PHQ-2, PHQ-9, or Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) as required by California law. Positive screening results must be referred to case management using the Care Management Referral Form.

Action Required

Action needed
Immediately: Providers must implement mental health screening protocols for all prenatal and postpartum patients using PHQ-2, PHQ-9, or Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Staff must complete Care Management Referral Forms for positive screenings and submit via email or fax to 866-581-0540. Update clinical workflows to include mandatory screening documentation.

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