HB 1864-S2 - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/17/97)

     Requires that an administrator of a hospital or similar institution, any physician, licensed under chapter 18.71 or 18.57 RCW, or a nurse practitioner shall detain a child without consent of a person legally responsible for the child when a baby tests positive for alcohol or drugs at birth.

     Directs the administrator or physician to notify or cause to be notified the appropriate law enforcement agency or child protective services under RCW 26.44.040.  Notification shall be made as soon as possible and in no case longer than seventy-two hours.

     Provides that child protective services shall refer mothers of babies detained under this subsection to appropriate treatment programs.  Babies who require drug withdrawal shall be supervised by licensed health care professionals.

     Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.