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DE HB268

Bill

Status

Introduced

3/3/2016

Primary Sponsor

Melanie Smith

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

148th General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Requires healthcare providers involved in delivery or care of substance exposed infants (newborns affected by illegal drug exposure or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) to notify the Division of Family Services.

  • Establishes requirement for Division to develop a written "plan of safe care" for substance exposed infants and medically fragile children accepted for investigation or family assessment, shared with healthcare providers prior to hospital discharge.

  • Defines substance exposed infant as a child not more than 4 weeks old born in Delaware who is identified as affected by illegal substance abuse, withdrawal symptoms from prenatal drug exposure, or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

  • Implements federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) requirements through a non-punitive, public health-oriented approach that prioritizes family preservation while ensuring infant safety.

  • Takes effect 180 days after enactment to allow Division and healthcare providers time to develop necessary trainings and protocols; known as "Aiden's Law."

Legislative Description

An Act To Amend Title 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Substance Exposed Infants And Medically Fragile Children.

Last Action

Stricken

4/14/2016

Committee Referrals

Judiciary3/3/2016

Full Bill Text

No bill text available