Bill > LD1001

This bill modifies existing law to protect parents receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) - a federally approved medical treatment for substance use disorder - from automatic reporting to child protective services. Specifically, the bill prevents healthcare providers and mandated reporters from notifying the Department of Health and Human Services about substance exposure in newborns when the exposure is solely due to a parent's MAT and there is no evidence of abuse or neglect. If a healthcare provider attempts to report such a case, the department is prohibited from taking further action. The bill defines medication-assisted treatment as treatment involving FDA-approved medications for substance use disorder, and requires healthcare providers to develop a safe care plan for infants born to parents on MAT, which may include referrals to social services or other healthcare providers if needed. The goal appears to be encouraging parents to seek treatment for substance use disorders without fear of losing custody of their children, while still maintaining safeguards to protect infant welfare by requiring development of care plans and allowing intervention if actual abuse or neglect is suspected.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1001&snum=132