ENROLLED
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Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 161
BY REPRESENTATIVE HOFFMANN
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To urge and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study prospective changes
to Louisiana statutes and policies which could reduce the incidence of fetal exposure
to controlled dangerous substances and alcohol and to report its findings to the
legislative committees on health and welfare.
WHEREAS, a child subjected prenatally to controlled dangerous substances or
alcohol has no ability to care for himself; and
WHEREAS, studies show that a child exposed to drugs or alcohol in utero can have
serious and lifelong effects, including but not limited to conduct disorder, attachment
disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anger management issues, and learning
disorders; and
WHEREAS, the state of Louisiana expends significant resources annually providing
assistance to those caring for a drug- or alcohol-exposed child; and
WHEREAS, every child has the right to a quality of life not impaired by fetal
exposure to drugs or alcohol; and
WHEREAS, pregnant mothers should be advised by health care providers of the
dangers of any drug or alcohol use during pregnancy.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
urge and request the Department of Health and Hospitals to study prospective changes to
Louisiana statutes and policies which could reduce the incidence of fetal exposure to
controlled dangerous substances and alcohol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department shall provide its findings in the
form of a report to the House Committee on Health and Welfare and the Senate Committee
on Health and Welfare on or before December 31, 2012. ENROLLEDHCR NO. 161
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE