FL H0227

Creates the Statewide Task Force on Prescription Drug Abuse and Newborns within the Department of Legal Affairs to examine neonatal withdrawal syndrome related to prescription drug use and provide policy recommendations to the Legislature.

Task force consists of 15 members including the Attorney General (chair), Surgeon General (vice chair), and representatives from state agencies, medical associations, hospitals, nursing, addiction recovery services, March of Dimes, and Healthy Start, plus one appointed resident.

Members receive reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses; task force must hold organizational session by May 1, 2012, and meet at least four times per year thereafter with a quorum requiring a majority of members.

Task force shall collect data on neonatal withdrawal syndrome prevalence and treatment costs, identify available federal and state support programs for affected mothers and newborns, and evaluate public awareness strategies about prescription drug abuse dangers.

Task force must submit interim report to Legislature by January 15, 2013, and final report by January 15, 2015.