SENATE BILL REPORT

                           ESB 5522

               AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1993

Brief Description:  Providing a program to reduce alcohol and drug use during pregnancy.

SPONSORS: Senators Wojahn, L. Smith, Moore, McDonald, Franklin, Deccio, Fraser, Snyder, West, Roach, Prentice, Pelz, M. Rasmussen and Erwin

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means. 

     Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Wojahn, Vice Chairman; Deccio, Erwin, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, McAuliffe, McDonald, Niemi, Quigley, Sheldon, and Winsley.

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786‑7461)

Hearing Dates: February 24, 1993; February 25, 1993

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended by Committee on Health & Human Services. 

     Signed by Senators Rinehart, Chairman; Spanel, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Gaspard, Hargrove, Hochstatter, Jesernig, McDonald, Moyer, Niemi, Pelz, Quigley, L. Smith, Snyder, Sutherland, Talmadge, West, Williams, and Wojahn.

Staff:  Mary Poole (786-7613)

Hearing Dates: March 8, 1993

BACKGROUND:

It is widely recognized that the use of alcohol and other drugs during pregnancy can cause medical, psychological, and social problems for women and infants.  There are many programs which provide primary prevention and treatment efforts.  It has been suggested that prevention efforts should also focus on identifying and assessing high risk populations where they are likely to be found. 

SUMMARY:

Four pilot projects are created to provide pretreatment drug and alcohol services for high risk women of child bearing age.  Two of the programs are located at public health clinics, and one each at a correctional facility and a domestic violence program.

The projects include hiring certified chemical dependency counselors who will identify substance abusing pregnant women, provide educational programs to women and agency staff, evaluate the women's need for treatment, make referrals to treatment, and advocate on the client's behalf.

Appropriation:  $50,000

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

This program fits in very well with DSHS's First Steps program and ADATSA program.  These pilot projects can really make a difference, because women are highly motivated to enter treatment programs when they are pregnant.  This outreach is an important component to the alcohol treatment system.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED (Health & Human Services):  PRO: Ken Stark, Director, Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, DSHS; Marcy Kubbs, Seattle-King County Task Force for Chemically Dependent Women; Victoria Lambardini, East King County Public Health; Denise Salo, Central Seattle Recovery Center

TESTIFIED (Ways & Means):  PRO:  Lonnie Johns-Brown, Child/Mom Partnership; Ken Stark, DSHS Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse; Margaret Casey, Catholic Conference