Text of section as added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 514 (S.B. 436), Sec. 1

For text of section as added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 973 (S.B. 748), Sec. 3, see other Sec. 34.0158.

Sec. 34.0158. OPIOID USE DISORDER MATERNAL AND NEWBORN HEALTH INITIATIVES. (a) The department, in collaboration with the task force, shall develop and implement initiatives to:

(1) improve screening procedures to better identify and care for women with opioid use disorder;

(2) improve continuity of care for women with opioid use disorder by ensuring that health care providers refer the women to appropriate treatment and verify the women receive the treatment;

(3) optimize health care provided to pregnant women with opioid use disorder;

(4) optimize health care provided to newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome by encouraging maternal engagement;

(5) increase access to medication-assisted treatment for women with opioid use disorder during pregnancy and the postpartum period; and

(6) prevent opioid use disorder by reducing the number of opioid drugs prescribed before, during, and following a delivery.

(b) Before implementing the initiatives described by Subsection (a), the department may conduct a limited pilot program in one or more geographic areas of this state to implement the initiatives at hospitals licensed under Chapter 241 with expertise in caring for newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome or related conditions. The pilot program must conclude not later than March 1, 2020. This subsection expires September 1, 2021.

(c) Using existing resources, the department, in collaboration with the task force, shall promote and facilitate the use among health care providers in this state of maternal health informational materials, including tools and procedures related to best practices in maternal health to improve obstetrical care for women with opioid use disorder.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 514 (S.B. 436), Sec. 1, eff. June 7, 2019.