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MN HF2095
Bill
Status
2/21/2023
Primary Sponsor
Ruth Richardson
Click for details
AI Summary
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Changes terminology from "pregnant woman" to "pregnant person" throughout child protection statutes related to chemical dependency and prenatal substance use.
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Specifies that prenatal substance use alone does not constitute neglect or maltreatment; a positive toxicology test, participation in treatment programs, or withdrawal symptoms cannot be the sole basis for a maltreatment report.
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Modifies reporting requirements to require "notice" rather than mandatory "reports" to local welfare agencies; health care professionals providing prenatal or postpartum care are exempt from reporting if they continue to engage with the pregnant person.
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Establishes informed consent requirements for toxicology and drug/alcohol screening tests on pregnant persons and newborns, including written and dated authorization with statements on voluntary nature, legal consequences, confidentiality, medical purpose, and test description.
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Permits testing without consent only in medical emergencies where delay would increase risk to patient's life or health; prohibits medical providers from refusing treatment to pregnant patients who refuse consent to testing.
Legislative Description
Terminology for pregnant persons modified, standards for chemical dependency in pregnancy and prenatal substance use modified, prenatal substance use specified to not itself constitute neglect or maltreatment, reporting requirements modified, and informed consent requirements established for parent and newborn infant toxicology tests and drug or alcohol screenings.
Last Action
Author added Kraft
3/13/2023