HOUSE BILL REPORT

                      HB 1410

                     As Reported By House Committee on:

                               Human Services

Title:  An act relating to the use of controlled substances and alcohol during pregnancy.

Brief Description:  Creating educational programs to help mothers avoid the use of controlled substances and alcohol during pregnancy.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Scott, Brough, Valle, Forner, Cole, Beck, Leonard, Wood, Brekke, Wineberry, Anderson, R. Fisher, Locke, Hine, Ludwig, Holland, Jones, Belcher, Winsley and Sheldon.

Brief History:

   Reported by House Committee on:

Human Services, March 6, 1991, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report: That Substitute House Bill No. 1410 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 10 members:  Representatives Leonard, Chair; Riley, Vice Chair; Winsley, Ranking Minority Member; Tate, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Beck; Brekke; Hargrove; Hochstatter; R. King; and H. Myers.

Staff:  David Knutson (786-7146).

Background:  The use of controlled substances and alcohol during pregnancy is a serious problem.  Children born to women who used controlled substances or alcohol during pregnancy, suffer from physical, mental, and health problems.  Prevention programs aimed at pregnant women offer the best opportunity to avoid the problems caused by maternal use of controlled substances or alcohol.

Summary of Substitute Bill:   The secretary of the Department of Health will develop public health and education strategies at the state and local level, to prevent and address problems related to the use of controlled substance and alcohol, during and immediately following pregnancy.  The secretary will promote the development of local prevention and treatment programs through existing pilot projects when possible.  Technical assistance will be provided to pilot projects through the 1991-93 biennium.  At least four pilot projects will be established through local health departments or other local health organizations.  The secretary is required to coordinate the selected pilot project with existing alcohol and drug programs related to maternal and infant health programs.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The report to the Legislature will be made to the appropriate standing committees instead of the Senate and House health committees.

Fiscal Note:  Requested February 22, 1991.

Appropriation:  Yes.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Prevention and early intervention are the best strategies to address problems of maternal use of controlled substances and alcohol during pregnancy and immediately after birth.  Additional state support for prevention and early intervention programs is needed to confront this problem.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Margaret Casey, Children's Alliance.