Relating to the use of certain controlled substances by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant and the designation of neonatal abstinence syndrome from substance use as a reportable condition.
If passed, HB 109 would amend the Texas Health and Safety Code to create a structured approach for screening pregnant women for substance use, particularly concerning opioids. The bill seeks to enhance the state's ability to identify and manage cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome by requiring healthcare providers to report specific data related to the condition, without compromising patient confidentiality. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of education around the risks associated with opioid use during pregnancy, aiming to improve health outcomes for mothers and their children.
House Bill 109 addresses the issue of substance use among women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. The bill aims to implement public health measures to better understand and respond to the effects of substance use during pregnancy. Key provisions include establishing guidelines for physicians on how to conduct substance use screenings and providing resources for treatment. Additionally, it mandates that neonatal abstinence syndrome, which can occur in newborns due to maternal substance use, be reported as a health condition for surveillance purposes.
One notable aspect of HB 109 could be discussions around the balance of women's privacy rights and the necessity of public health reporting. While the bill is intended to safeguard maternal and fetal health, there may be debates on how it could affect the confidentiality of pregnant women seeking help for substance use issues. Furthermore, opponents may raise concerns about potential stigmatization of women who use controlled substances, fearing that additional monitoring could deter them from seeking necessary medical care.