Like Causes?

Install the App
TRY NOW
Countable Is Officially Causes.com

house Bill H.R. 4843

Helping States Coordinate Care for Babies Suffering From Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Argument in favor

Estimates guess that opioid-dependent babies are born every 19 minutes. That’s a national tragedy. This bill seeks to improve the quality of care those babies receive both at the hospital and once they’ve been released by ensuring that HHS gets states to comply with current child welfare requirements.

Ian's Opinion
···
05/09/2016
Pro-life isn't just not allowing abortion.
Like (28)
Follow
Share
BTSundra's Opinion
···
05/14/2016
Babies suffering from these terrible things must get whatever possible help we can get them. While they should be adopted, getting them the right care from hospitals is necessary.
Like (21)
Follow
Share
Officialrubenp's Opinion
···
05/11/2016
This is our future. Every child deserves an equal shot at life and in anyway that would could assist that should be taken. The constitution states that everyone should have an equal shot in the pursuit of happiness. If we enact this, this will help save babies born with this unfortunate case because of a solution possible instead of getting an abortion.
Like (7)
Follow
Share

Argument opposed

There are existing federal laws on this subject that far too many states aren’t in compliance with. Congress shouldn’t pass this or other legislation related to the care received by babies born suffering from substance abuse — unless it includes harsh punishments for states that don’t comply.

operaman's Opinion
···
05/09/2016
Government, Government, Government! Always government! Government doesn't take care of babies, people do. Allowing people to adopt these children or allowing tax credits for organizations who are already giving care would be a more positive way for aid, not taxpayer handouts.
Like (28)
Follow
Share
bhiguma's Opinion
···
05/11/2016
The government needs to get out of healthcare. By removing licensing requirements, healthcare deregulation, repealing Obamacare, completely privatizing healthcare, and expanding access to health savings accounts, we will be able to apply true free market principles to the healthcare industry, thus increasing quality and decreasing costs. The problem with our current healthcare system is the government bureaucracy which prevents the industry from efficiently increasing the supply of doctors. In addition, medicare, medicaid, and Obamacare drastically increase demand since people do not carefully consider cost vs. benefits. If government were to get out of the healthcare industry, the supply could increase efficiently, and people would be more careful with their money, resulting in a controlled demand.
Like (8)
Follow
Share
Sid's Opinion
···
05/10/2016
As tragic as it is, the government needs to learn that shit happens and they don't need to step in on every little thing.
Like (7)
Follow
Share

What is House Bill H.R. 4843?

This bill seeks to improve state plans to care for infants born affected by substance abuse, withdrawal symptoms or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It would require the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) to distribute information about best practices for taking care of babies that are born under those circumstances.

When states submit plans to improve their child protective services systems in grant applications to HHS, they’d be required certify that it has a statewide child abuse and neglect program which covers the care of babies facing those threats to their health. Each infant in the program would have a personalized “plan of safe care” to ensure their safety and well-being after they’re released from the care of healthcare providers.

States would be required each year to report how many babies were the subject of a “plan of safe care” and whether a referral was made for appropriate services to assist the affected baby or a caregiver.

HHS would be tasked with monitoring the compliance of states that receive grants with relevant current laws and required state policies and procedures regarding the care of affected babies.

Impact

State health departments that need to take steps toward complying with federal law; potentially state legislatures; and HHS.

Cost of House Bill H.R. 4843

$500.00 Thousand
The CBO estimates that implementing this bill would cost less than $500,000 per year.

More Information

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA) introduced this bill to ensure that HHS does a better job of verifying that states are meeting their obligations under current child welfare requirements:

“We see the damage of substance abuse across all segments of our society, but perhaps the most tragic cases involve newborns who enter the world defenseless against the addictions they were born with. It is a sad reality in this country that a baby is born addicted to opioids every 19 minutes. We must do everything we can to safeguard the most vulnerable among us and ensure they will be well protected and cared for.”

This legislation passed the House Education and Workforce Committee on a voice vote, and has the bipartisan support of 21 cosponsors — including 13 Republicans and eight Democrats.


Of Note: According to a report compiled by Reuters, the number of drug-dependent babies born in the U.S. each year grew from 5,000 in 2003 to 27,000 diagnosed cases in 2013 — and on average a drug-dependent baby is born every 19 minutes. It also notes that at least 36 states don’t have laws requiring doctors to report such cases.

That law — the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act — requires doctors to not only treat babies exhibiting such symptoms in the hospital, but also alert child protection authorities so that social workers can check on the newborn’s safety after the child is sent home. Reuters found only nine states plus the District of Columbia that appeared to be fully in compliance with that law.



Media:

Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: Flickr user Teddy Kwok)

AKA

Infant Plan of Safe Care Improvement Act

Official Title

To amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to require certain monitoring and oversight, and for other purposes.

bill Progress

  • Not enacted
    The President has not signed this bill
  • The senate has not voted
      senate Committees
      Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
  • The house Passed May 11th, 2016
    Roll Call Vote 421 Yea / 0 Nay
      house Committees
      Committee on Education and Labor
      Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education
    IntroducedMarch 23rd, 2016
Log in or create an account to see how your Reps voted!
    Ian's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/09/2016
    Pro-life isn't just not allowing abortion.
    Like (28)
    Follow
    Share
    operaman's Opinion Against
    ···
    05/09/2016
    Government, Government, Government! Always government! Government doesn't take care of babies, people do. Allowing people to adopt these children or allowing tax credits for organizations who are already giving care would be a more positive way for aid, not taxpayer handouts.
    Like (28)
    Follow
    Share
    BTSundra's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/14/2016
    Babies suffering from these terrible things must get whatever possible help we can get them. While they should be adopted, getting them the right care from hospitals is necessary.
    Like (21)
    Follow
    Share
    bhiguma's Opinion Against
    ···
    05/11/2016
    The government needs to get out of healthcare. By removing licensing requirements, healthcare deregulation, repealing Obamacare, completely privatizing healthcare, and expanding access to health savings accounts, we will be able to apply true free market principles to the healthcare industry, thus increasing quality and decreasing costs. The problem with our current healthcare system is the government bureaucracy which prevents the industry from efficiently increasing the supply of doctors. In addition, medicare, medicaid, and Obamacare drastically increase demand since people do not carefully consider cost vs. benefits. If government were to get out of the healthcare industry, the supply could increase efficiently, and people would be more careful with their money, resulting in a controlled demand.
    Like (8)
    Follow
    Share
    Officialrubenp's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/11/2016
    This is our future. Every child deserves an equal shot at life and in anyway that would could assist that should be taken. The constitution states that everyone should have an equal shot in the pursuit of happiness. If we enact this, this will help save babies born with this unfortunate case because of a solution possible instead of getting an abortion.
    Like (7)
    Follow
    Share
    Sid's Opinion Against
    ···
    05/10/2016
    As tragic as it is, the government needs to learn that shit happens and they don't need to step in on every little thing.
    Like (7)
    Follow
    Share
    Loraki's Opinion Against
    ···
    05/12/2016
    STATES' RIGHTS ISSUE! BUTT OUT, CONGRESS! When states submit plans to improve their child protective services systems in grant applications to HHS, they’d be required certify that it has a statewide child abuse and neglect program which covers the care of babies facing those threats to their health. Each infant in the program would have a personalized “plan of safe care” to ensure their safety and well-being after they’re released from the care of healthcare providers. States would be required each year to report how many babies were the subject of a “plan of safe care” and whether a referral was made for appropriate services to assist the affected baby or a caregiver. SEE WHERE ACCEPTING FEDERAL GRANT MONEY GETS YOU??? Some of the most fearsome words in the English language: "Hi, I'm from the federal government and I'm here to help you."
    Like (5)
    Follow
    Share
    Lesia's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/14/2016
    Of course we should help babies - unless of course you're not really pro life, just pro fetus
    Like (5)
    Follow
    Share
    Carter's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/12/2016
    Contrary to the popular belief of the right, the sins if the father are not the sins of the son. The child is not at fault, and must be cared for. States who don't comply need to be penalized, but that's no justification not to pass the legislation. Anyone pro life needs to weigh what that value means, and those on the left need to maintain their philosophies of helping the disadvantaged.
    Like (4)
    Follow
    Share
    Moni's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/11/2016
    These children did not choose their lot. If they were born because the woman lives in a states where she could not terminate the pregnancy, than that child is that state's responsibility.
    Like (4)
    Follow
    Share
    GrumpyMSgt's Opinion Against
    ···
    05/11/2016
    Planned Parenthood is a "national tragedy" funded with taxpayer dollars. Opioid addiction, fetal-alcohol poisoning, and birth defects are tragic, but feel good legislation is not the answer.
    Like (3)
    Follow
    Share
    Hunter's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/11/2016
    The passing of this legislation is a no-brainier. Thanks, Rep. Forbes.
    Like (3)
    Follow
    Share
    BigMike92's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/11/2016
    We should always take care of babies who suffer from their parents drug or alcohol addiction. Our hospitals must ensure the best and effective care is being used to prevent the loss of life.
    Like (3)
    Follow
    Share
    Rachel's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    01/27/2017
    It's imperative that we seek to treat those that are most vulnerable.
    Like (3)
    Follow
    Share
    Richard's Opinion Against
    ···
    05/09/2016
    While these children need help what isn't mentioned in this Federal overreach is what are the stats for these kids? As a retired Healthcare Administrator, I find it difficult to believe the Feds can do a better job than the local/State governments and the private sector. Most things the Feds inject themselves into only gets worse. To wit I site the War on Poverty that has cost taxpayers $trillions while actually almost tripling the number of poor. Let's do better for those children and keep the Feds away from them.
    Like (2)
    Follow
    Share
    Christian's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/10/2016
    Government should serve as a backup for those who mess up and in this case a baby needs help to have a good life. Punish the parents who messed up as well!
    Like (2)
    Follow
    Share
    Ggdavis's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    08/07/2016
    Great proposal for helping those who are unable to help themselves!
    Like (2)
    Follow
    Share
    Buster's Opinion Against
    ···
    05/10/2016
    Less government let private organizations take charge
    Like (2)
    Follow
    Share
    Noelani's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    01/26/2017
    A child should not be punished for being brought into existence with a drug addiction. Options need to be available to treat the child and give it a fair chance at life. No one chooses to be born and so deserve an equal opportunity to be a healthy member of society.
    Like (2)
    Follow
    Share
    Anna's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    02/02/2017
    I think that having babies suffer from drugs or alcohol is not right. This bill would help our nation become better by paying more attention to them.
    Like (2)
    Follow
    Share
    MORE