Brief Description: Providing information to pregnant women about opiate treatment programs.

Sponsors: Senators Prentice, Hargrove and Haugen; by request of Lieutenant Governor.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections
House Committee on Children & Family Services

Background: The Department of Social and Health Services regulates the certification of programs for alcoholism and other drug addiction treatment. Drug treatment programs which treat opiate addiction, typically utilize methadone to treat those addicted to opiates. Methadone is the most widely known pharmacologic treatment for opioid dependence. Methadone is a controlled substance. It is a long-acting opiate, itself addictive, having a potential for abuse both by opiate addicts and by nonaddicts. Under certain circumstances, methadone, like any other opiate, can be dangerous and life-threatening.

Summary: The Department of Social and Health Services is directed to adopt rules requiring opiate treatment programs to educate pregnant women participating in their treatment program regarding the risks and benefits of methadone treatment to their fetus. This information is to be provided as part of their treatment.

Opiate substitution treatment programs treating pregnant women are required to provide current information concerning the possible addiction and health risks this treatment may have on their baby. They must also be informed of the risks associated with not remaining on this treatment program. Information must be provided verbally and in writing.

The Department of Social and Health Services will develop and disseminate these educational materials to all certified opiate treatment programs.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      46   0
House      91   0

Effective: July 24, 2005