Bill > H221

This bill proposes to amend Section 51A of Chapter 119 of the General Laws in Massachusetts. It removes the provision that required reporting physical dependence upon an addictive drug at birth as part of the standard child abuse and neglect reporting requirements. Instead, the bill requires health care providers to separately notify the Department of infants affected by in-utero substance exposure or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum disorder, but without including any identifying information about the parents or the infant, and without triggering abuse or neglect reporting or prosecution. This change aims to support families affected by substance use issues during pregnancy by focusing on notification and care rather than standard abuse/neglect reporting.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H221