HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5898
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care
Appropriations
Title: An act relating to postpartum depression.
Brief Description: Ordering a public information campaign on postpartum depression.
Sponsors: Senators Regala, Brandland, Pridemore, Hargrove, Thibaudeau, Oke, Kohl-Welles and Rasmussen.
Brief History:
Health Care: 3/29/05, 3/31/05 [DPA];
Appropriations: 4/2/05 [DPA(HC)].
Brief Summary of Bill (As Amended by House Committee) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Campbell, Vice Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Bailey, Ranking Minority Member; Curtis, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Appleton, Clibborn, Green, Hinkle, Lantz, Moeller and Schual-Berke.
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (College) distinguishes between
three different types of mood disorders that a mother may experience in the period after
childbirth: the "baby blues," postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis. While the
"baby blues" generally disappear within two weeks of delivery, postpartum depression can
last from several months to over a year and frequently requires counseling and treatment.
The College estimates that postpartum depression affects approximately 10 percent of new
mothers.
Summary of Amended Bill:
The Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect shall conduct a public
information campaign regarding the significance, signs, and treatment of postpartum
depression. Twenty-five thousand dollars is appropriated for the campaign.
Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The amended bill directs the appropriation to be made to the Washington Council for the
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect instead of the Children's Trust Fund.
Appropriation: The amount of $25,000.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: When women are going through postpartum depression, they tend to ignore or abuse their children. Postpartum depression is treatable and people need to be able to recognize its signs. Infants of depressed mothers may have later emotional and behavioral problems and are more likely to have developmental delays. Addressing maternal depression will save money to the education, juvenile justice, and mental health systems.
Testimony Against: None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Senator Regala, prime sponsor; Linda McDaniels; and
MerrieLynn Rice, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
(Neutral) Sheri Hill, University of Washington Center on Infant Mental Health and
Development.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 26 members: Representatives Sommers, Chair; Fromhold, Vice Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; McDonald, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Buri, Clements, Cody, Conway, Darneille, Dunshee, Grant, Haigh, Hinkle, Hunter, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Linville, McDermott, McIntire, Miloscia, Pearson, Priest, Schual-Berke and Walsh.
Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Anderson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; and Talcott.
Staff: Amy Skei (786-7140).
Summary of Recommendation of Committee On Appropriations Compared to
Recommendation of Committee On Health Care:
No new changes were recommended.
Appropriation: The amount of $25,000.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: None.
Testimony Against: None.
Persons Testifying: None.