HB 3008-S2.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/17/98)

     Provides that a physician licensed under chapter 18.71 or 18.57 RCW primarily responsible for the care of a newborn infant, an advanced registered nurse who practices midwifery licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW, or a midwife licensed under chapter 18.50 RCW, who has reasonable cause to believe an infant has been exposed to nonprescription use of controlled substances or alcohol must notify the department of the name and address of the parent or parents of an infant who is drug-affected.

     Requires the physician or midwife responsible for the delivery of the infant to, as soon as practical, inform the mother of a drug-affected infant of:  (1) Her right to publicly funded tubal ligation surgery as provided by this act;

     (2) available drug treatment and counseling; and

     (3) birth control counseling and education.  The mother may accept the offer of a tubal ligation up to six months following its tender.

     Directs the department to operate a model project to provide services to women who give birth to infants exposed to the nonprescription use of controlled substances by the mother during pregnancy.

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