The bill amends existing Arizona law regarding the handling of communications involving substance use by pregnant women. It requires the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to provide callers with contact information for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and, if possible, transfer the call for referral to substance use treatment. Importantly, the bill prohibits any communication regarding substance use from triggering an investigation of abuse or neglect and prevents DCS from maintaining records of such communications. Additionally, licensed health care professionals are mandated to refer pregnant women for substance use services with their consent, and proof of participation in treatment can be considered a mitigating factor in neglect determinations.

The new provisions also clarify that the presence of clinical indicators or a woman's history of substance use cannot solely justify a report of suspected neglect. This contrasts with current law, which does not explicitly address these aspects. The bill aims to facilitate maternal and infant safety while ensuring that pregnant women seeking help for substance use are not penalized or subjected to investigations that could further endanger their well-being.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-455, 8-818, 8-819, 8-882, 13-3620, 36-701, 8-456, 8-471, 8-458, 13-3401, 8-884, 36-2281, 13-1404, 13-1405, 8-201, 13-3623, 13-3506.01, 13-3019, 13-3212, 13-3608, 13-1214
House Engrossed Version: 8-455, 8-818, 8-819, 13-3620, 36-2930.07, 8-456, 8-471, 8-458, 13-3401, 36-2281, 13-1404, 13-1405, 8-201, 13-3623, 13-3506.01, 13-3019, 13-3212, 13-3608, 13-1214
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-455, 8-818, 8-819, 13-3620, 36-2930.07, 8-456, 8-471, 8-458, 13-3401, 36-2281, 13-1404, 13-1405, 8-201, 13-3623, 13-3506.01, 13-3019, 13-3212, 13-3608, 13-1214