The bill seeks to improve the state's child welfare program by transferring its administration from the Children, Youth and Families Department to the Department of Health. It revises the requirements for plans of safe care aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of substance-exposed newborns and supporting pregnant individuals with substance use disorders. New definitions and guidelines are introduced to enhance coordination among healthcare providers, insurers, and families. Key provisions include mandates for hospitals and birthing centers to develop these plans before discharging substance-exposed children, as well as the involvement of care coordinators to help families access necessary services. The bill also establishes data collection and reporting requirements to monitor the effectiveness of these plans while ensuring that reporting does not trigger child abuse investigations.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws regarding the implementation of plans of safe care, requiring the Department of Health and Medicaid managed care organizations to notify the department if parents or guardians do not comply with these plans. This notification will lead to a family assessment to identify the needs of the child and family, with the option for the department to offer services. If services are declined but deemed necessary, an investigation may be initiated. The bill clarifies healthcare providers' responsibilities in creating written plans and ensures that notifications to the Department of Health are not considered reports of child abuse or neglect. Training related to these provisions will not impose a specific duty of care on individuals, and the changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-1-4, 32A-3A-2, 32A-3A-13, 32A-3A-14, 32A-4-3
RU substitute: 32A-1-4, 32A-3A-13, 32A-3A-14, 32A-4-3