Bill > HJR011

This joint resolution recognizes Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a condition where newborns experience withdrawal symptoms after being exposed to substances like opioids in the womb, which can lead to feeding difficulties and longer hospital stays if not managed properly. The resolution highlights that NAS can result from both illegal drug use and prescribed medications for opioid use disorder, and that while data shows a significant increase in NAS diagnoses in Utah, proper screening and treatment can lead to temporary conditions with no known long-term developmental issues. It acknowledges the existence of effective programs like the SUPeRAD Clinic in Utah and emphasizes the need for better data collection and standardization to understand the true incidence of NAS and prenatal substance exposure, target resources, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Therefore, the resolution urges the Utah Department of Health and Human Services to enhance its data systems to track NAS diagnoses, prenatal substance exposure, associated health outcomes, and existing support programs, and to report its findings and recommendations to the Health and Human Services Interim Committee by October 31, 2027, demonstrating a commitment to data integrity, evidence-based policy, and improved public health monitoring.

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HJR011.html