VA HB283

Amends Virginia Code § 63.2-1509 to clarify that a pregnant woman's prenatal use of a controlled substance or drug prescribed by her health care provider shall not solely constitute reason to suspect child abuse or neglect

Protects women in opioid addiction recovery programs who take prescribed medications during pregnancy from automatic child abuse/neglect investigations based solely on that treatment

Maintains existing mandatory reporting requirements when infants are born affected by substance abuse, experiencing withdrawal, or diagnosed with conditions attributable to maternal drug abuse or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Preserves the list of 20 categories of mandatory reporters (physicians, nurses, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, etc.) who must report suspected child abuse or neglect within 24 hours

Failure to report suspected abuse remains punishable by fines up to $500 for first offense and $1,000+ for subsequent failures, with Class 1 misdemeanor charges possible in cases involving sexual abuse