The Pregnancy and Family Care Act is designed to improve support and treatment for pregnant patients with substance use disorders and their families. It mandates that healthcare providers screen pregnant patients for substance use disorders during their initial healthcare visit, with the option for follow-up screenings throughout their treatment. If a disorder is identified, providers must create a family care plan that addresses the needs of both the patient and the infant. The Act ensures that pregnant and postpartum patients receive timely access to necessary services without discrimination based on their pregnancy status. Additionally, it establishes a notification system for reporting the birth of substance-exposed infants to the Department of Health, while protecting these reports from triggering automatic child abuse investigations.
The bill introduces a new section to the Children's Code requiring the Department of Health to report annually, starting November 1, 2026, to various legislative committees and the governor on perinatal substance use disorder, including recommendations for improvement. It outlines responsibilities for state agencies to develop coordinated responses in underserved areas, assess racial and ethnic disparities in treatment access, and collaborate with the statewide perinatal advisory council. The Act also emphasizes the need for education and training for service providers and the public to reduce stigma and promote early intervention. Furthermore, it repeals two previous sections of the law to streamline the legislative framework.