The bill aims to establish pediatric transitional care facilities in Washington state to better support infants born exposed to harmful substances, such as opiates and alcohol. The legislature recognizes that these infants often suffer from neonatal abstinence syndrome and have unique medical and emotional needs that are not adequately addressed in traditional neonatal intensive care units. The bill highlights the success of a pilot project that provided nonhospital treatment, which promoted bonding between substance-exposed infants and their parents, resulting in a high percentage of parents remaining in recovery and maintaining custody of their infants. The intent is to create a sustainable funding model for these facilities, which would ultimately reduce systemic costs and foster better parent-infant relationships.

Additionally, the bill mandates the health care authority to study the feasibility and costs associated with providing facility-based payments to residential pediatric recovery centers, as outlined in federal legislation. A report detailing necessary statutory changes, costs, and implementation timelines is required by November 1, 2026. Until this report is submitted, the health care authority is directed to provide grant funds to the pilot project facility to ensure continued services for affected infants, with the intention of using funds from the opioid abatement settlement account. This section of the bill is set to expire on December 31, 2028.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 71.12.455, 71.12.680, 71.12.684, 71.12.686