FL S0402

Creates the Statewide Task Force on Prescription Drug Abuse and Newborns within the Department of Legal Affairs to research 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, addiction recovery, Healthy Start, March of Dimes, and Florida Nurses Association.

Requires task force to hold organizational session by May 1, 2012, and meet at least four times per year thereafter with a majority constituting a quorum.

Task force duties include collecting data on neonatal withdrawal syndrome prevalence and treatment costs, identifying existing support programs, and evaluating public awareness efforts regarding prescription drug abuse dangers.

Requires interim report to Legislature by January 15, 2013, and final report by January 15, 2015; members receive per diem and travel expense reimbursement.