Bill > HB343

This bill updates New Mexico's Children's Code to improve procedures for addressing substance-exposed newborns, focusing on creating comprehensive plans of safe care for infants prenatally exposed to drugs or alcohol. The legislation defines a "substance-exposed newborn" and requires hospitals, birthing centers, and medical providers to develop detailed discharge plans for these infants that include specific reporting and monitoring requirements. These plans must be sent to the child's primary care physician, insurance care coordinator, and parents or guardians, and must identify appropriate support agencies such as public health services, substance use treatment providers, mental health services, and early intervention programs. The bill also establishes a process for healthcare providers to report concerns about a newborn's safety to the Children, Youth and Families Department's central intake system, which will then review the plan of safe care and potentially initiate an investigation if the infant's needs are not being adequately addressed. Importantly, the legislation clarifies that reporting a plan of safe care is not the same as reporting child abuse, and aims to provide supportive, non-punitive interventions for families with substance-exposed newborns. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving agencies time to prepare for implementation.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=343&year=25