Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act

Bill: 110-hr-20
Sponsor: Rep. Rush, Bobby L. [D-IL-1]
Introduced: 2007-01-04 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Access to health care
Ambulatory care
Case management
Clinical trials
Congress
Congressional reporting requirements
Continuum of care
Economics and Public Finance
Education
Epidemiology
Families
Family services
Federal aid to health facilities
Federal aid to research
Health education
Higher education
Home care services
Hospital care
Maternal and infant welfare
Maternal health services
Medical education
Medical fees
Medical research
Medical screening
Medical tests
Mental depression
Mental health services
Mental illness
Mothers
Pharmaceutical research
Pregnancy
Quality of care
Research grants
Science, Technology, Communications
Social Welfare
Women

Summary:
action_date: 2007-01-04
text: 
Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), to expand and intensify research and related activities on postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Requires the Director of NIMH to conduct or support research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and to find a cure for, such conditions.
 
Directs the Secretary to make grants to establish, operate, and coordinate effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with such conditions and their families. Allows the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grant recipients.
action_date: 2007-10-15
text: 
Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act - 
Title I: Research on Postpartum Depression and Psychosis
 - (Sec. 101) Encourages the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), to continue aggressive work on postpartum depression and other postpartum psychosis. Encourages the Director of NIMH to continue research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and find a cure for, postpartum conditions, including: (1) basic research concerning the etiology and causes of the conditions; (2) epidemiological studies to address the frequency and natural history of the conditions and differences among racial and ethnic groups; (3) the development of improved screening and diagnostic techniques; (4) clinical research for the development and evaluation of new treatments; and (5) information and education programs for health care professionals and the public.

(Sec. 102) Encourages the Director of NIH and the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to carry out a national campaign to increase the awareness and knowledge of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

(Sec. 103) Requires the Director of NIH to include in the biennial report to Congress a summary of NIH research activities on depression.

(Sec. 104) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Director of NIMH may conduct a longitudinal study of the relative mental health consequences for women of resolving a pregnancy in various ways. Requires the Director of NIMH to report to Congress on the findings of the study.

Title II: Delivery of Services Regarding Postpartum Depression and Psychosis
 - (Sec. 201) Urges the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public or nonprofit private entities for projects to establish, operate, and coordinate effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis and their families. Requires the Secretary to ensure that such projects provide services for the diagnosis and management of postpartum conditions. Provides that the Secretary may authorize projects that include: (1) delivering or enhancing outpatient and home-based health and support services; (2) delivering or enhancing inpatient care management services that ensure the well-being of the mother and family and the future development of the infant; and (3) improving the quality, availability, and organization of health care and support services for individuals with postpartum conditions and support services for their families. Urges the Secretary to integrate programs under this Act with other grants programs.

(Sec. 202) Sets forth grant requirements, including that the applicant agrees: (1) to abide by any limitations deemed appropriate by the Secretary on any charges to individuals receiving services pursuant to the grant; (2) that the grant will not be expended for services paid for under another program or by an entity that provides health services on a prepaid basis; and (3) to post a conspicuous notice of any federal policies that apply with respect to the imposition of charges.

(Sec. 203) Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to assist entities in complying with the requirements of this title in order to make such entities eligible for grants.

Title III: General Provisions
 - (Sec. 301) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2010.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2007-10-16
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2007-10-15
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2007-10-15
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 382 - 3 (Roll no. 963). (text: CR H11511-11512)
action_date: 2007-10-15
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 382 - 3 (Roll no. 963).(text: CR H11511-11512)
action_date: 2007-10-15
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H11532-11533)
action_date: 2007-10-15
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2007-10-15
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 20.
action_date: 2007-10-15
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H11511-11513)
action_date: 2007-10-15
text: Ms. Baldwin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2007-10-15
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 232.
action_date: 2007-10-15
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 110-375.
action_date: 2007-10-15
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 110-375.
action_date: 2007-09-27
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2007-09-27
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2007-07-19
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
action_date: 2007-07-19
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2007-05-01
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2007-02-02
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2007-01-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2007-01-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2007-01-04
text: Introduced in House