Bill > S1418

This bill requires the Commissioner of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to expand the definition of "Closely Related Developmental Conditions" to specifically include fetal opioid drug exposure and addiction, which would potentially enable children affected by prenatal opioid exposure to receive developmental services. The bill also grants the Commissioner discretionary authority to include additional diagnoses within this definition in the future. By mandating this definitional change, the legislation aims to ensure that children who have been prenatally exposed to opioids can access appropriate developmental support services, recognizing the potential long-term developmental impacts of such exposure. The bill references specific Massachusetts regulatory codes (115 CMR 2 and 115 CMR 6.06(1)) and appears designed to create a more inclusive framework for identifying and supporting children with developmental challenges related to prenatal drug exposure.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1418