The bill seeks to improve child welfare by transferring the administration of the state program under the Federal Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 from the Children, Youth and Families Department to the Department of Health. It introduces new definitions and requirements for "plans of safe care," which are essential written plans developed by healthcare professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of substance-exposed newborns. The bill mandates that birthing facilities participate in the discharge planning process, creating a plan of safe care prior to the discharge of a substance-exposed newborn, which must be shared with the child's primary care physician and relevant departments.

Key provisions of the bill include the definition of "substance-exposed newborn" and the requirement for birthing facilities to utilize evidence-based screening tools to identify affected newborns. The plan of safe care must encompass referrals to early intervention programs and may include various health and social services. Additionally, the bill establishes a reporting mechanism for noncompliance with the plan of safe care, requiring notification to the department within three business days if caregivers do not engage with the CARA navigator or comply with the plan. It also provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals and agencies acting in good faith under this section, ensuring that substance-exposed newborns receive the necessary care and support while protecting the rights of their families.

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