Bill > HB424

This bill establishes the Pregnancy and Family Care Act, a comprehensive approach to supporting pregnant patients with substance use disorders. The legislation requires healthcare providers to screen pregnant patients for substance use disorders during their first visit and conduct follow-up screenings, with the patient's consent. If a substance use disorder is identified, providers must develop a voluntary family care plan that addresses treatment, mental health, healthcare needs, parenting skills, and child development. The bill prioritizes treatment for pregnant and postpartum patients, mandating that treatment providers cannot refuse care based on pregnancy status and ensuring these patients receive priority for available treatment. A new system will be created by the Department of Health to collect non-identifying information about substance-exposed infants, distinct from child abuse reporting systems. The bill also establishes a statewide perinatal advisory council and county-level councils to provide recommendations on addressing substance use disorders among pregnant and postpartum patients, with a focus on reducing stigma, improving service coordination, and addressing racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access. Importantly, the legislation emphasizes that a substance use disorder diagnosis alone is not grounds for child welfare intervention, and participation in family care plans is entirely voluntary. The Department of Health will be required to develop educational materials and provide annual reports on perinatal substance use disorder to legislative committees.

Government Affairs

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=424&year=25