Our Top Five Blog Posts of 2023
Our top five most-read blogs of 2023 highlight the field’s interest in ongoing work happening at the federal level to improve maternal health, mental health, and of course, maternal mental health.
#5: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommends Screening for Anxiety
In June 2023, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) expanded its recommendation to screen adults (including those who are pregnant) for anxiety in addition to depression. Additionally, the USPSTF is not recommending universal suicide risk screening at this time.
#4: Biden-Harris Administration Launches ‘Birthing-Friendly’ Designation
In November 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration unveiled the 'Birthing-Friendly' designation on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Care Compare online tool. This user-friendly tool aims to empower expectant parents by helping them identify hospitals and health systems committed to providing high-quality maternity care.
#3: The TRIUMPH for New Moms Act Passes!
Although this blog post was published in December of 2022, it still makes the “most-read” list in 2023:
As a result of an effort led by the national maternal mental health advocacy organization, 2020 Mom, the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act (H.R.4217/S.2779) was passed by Congress in its end-of-year omnibus to create the first-ever national Maternal Mental Health Taskforce.
#2: U.S. Maternal Depression Screening Rates Released for the First Time Through HEDIS
The first set of U.S. maternal depression screening data is now available - through HEDIS. Not surprisingly, screening in both pregnancy and the postpartum period was reported at less than 20%.
#1: CMS’ Final Rule on ‘Birthing-Friendly’ Hospital Designations
In December 2022, CMS announced more than 25 healthcare plans agreed to display the birthing-friendly icon in their hospital directories to denote the hospital's commitment to maternity care quality, safety, and equity.
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