Created by statute in 2010, the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression is a standing Massachusetts legislative commission named for retired State Representative Ellen Story.
The Commission's mission is to investigate and study issues related to perinatal mental health (PMH), increase awareness around perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), improve availability and access to PMH resources for birthing people and their families, and recommend best practices for screening and treatment of PMADs.
Membership
The Special Commission is to consist of the following members or their designees and who shall serve as ex officio members:
- One Senator and one House of Representative will serve as Co-Chairs;
- Four additional members of the senate, one of whom is a member of the minority party;
- Four additional members of the house, one of whom is a member of the minority party;
- DPH Commissioner
- DMH Commissioner
- DCF Commissioner
- Insurance Commissioner
- EEC Commissioner
- Director of Medicaid
The Governor will appoint eighteen (18) persons who represent the following agencies and/or organizations:
- National Association of Perinatal Social Workers, MA Chapter
- Licensed midwife appointed jointly by the MA Midwives Association and the MA Affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives
- An advanced practice psychiatric nurse from the Nurses United for Responsible Service
- A nurse practitioner from the MA Coalition of Nurse Practitioners
- Psychologist from the MA Psychological Association
- Children’s Behavioral Health Advisory Council established in section 16Q of chapter 6A
- MA Behavioral Health Partnership or a MCO or managed care entity contracting with Medicaid
- Five persons from the MA Medical Society, one from each of the following specialties:
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics
- Family Practice
- Psychiatry
- Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- A woman who has experienced post partum depression
- Regionally based non-profit group currently serving women experiencing post partum depression
- MA Association of Health Plans
- Three persons from commercial health insurance carriers