New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A06368

Introduced
3/4/25  
Refer
3/4/25  

Caption

Enacts the "children and recovering mothers (CHARM) act" to provide guidance, education and assistance to healthcare providers caring for expectant mothers with substance use disorder; provides for the screening of newborns for substance abuse exposure.

Summary

The bill A06368, known as the "children and recovering mothers (CHARM) act", aims to improve the care and support for expectant mothers and newborns affected by substance use disorder. It establishes a recovering expectant mothers program within the Department of Health, which will provide guidance and education to healthcare providers on screening for substance use disorders during prenatal visits, as well as information on medication-assisted treatment and referrals for additional support services. The bill also mandates the development of guidance for hospitals and midwifery centers regarding neonatal abstinence syndrome and the treatment of affected newborns.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will amend the public health law in New York by introducing new provisions specifically targeting the needs of recovering mothers and their newborns. It will require the establishment of programs and educational resources aimed at improving the identification and treatment of substance use disorders among pregnant women, thereby potentially reducing the stigma associated with these conditions and improving health outcomes for both mothers and infants.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be supportive, as it addresses a critical public health issue affecting vulnerable populations. Stakeholders, including healthcare providers and advocacy groups, are likely to view the bill positively due to its focus on education, support, and the reduction of stigma associated with substance use disorders in pregnant women.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intent to improve care for recovering mothers and their infants, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of the proposed programs and the adequacy of resources allocated for training and support. Some healthcare providers might express apprehension about the additional responsibilities placed on them without sufficient funding or guidance.

Companion Bills

NY S07513

Same As Enacts the "children and recovering mothers (CHARM) act" to provide guidance, education and assistance to healthcare providers caring for expectant mothers with substance use disorder; provides for the screening of newborns for substance abuse exposure.

Previously Filed As

NY S07513

Enacts the "children and recovering mothers (CHARM) act" to provide guidance, education and assistance to healthcare providers caring for expectant mothers with substance use disorder; provides for the screening of newborns for substance abuse exposure.

NY A00317

Enacts the "children and recovering mothers (CHARM) act" to provide guidance, education and assistance to healthcare providers caring for expectant mothers with substance use disorder; provides for the screening of newborns for substance abuse exposure.

NY HB473

Criminalizing multiple forms of exposing children to controlled substances and allowing law enforcement to take a child into protective custody for screening and testing in an instance of suspected or actual criminal exposure to controlled substances.

NY H4625

Parental Perinatal Mental Health Screening and Education Act

NY SB2354

Recreationally used or abused substances; create screening program for within the Department of Health.

NY SB118

Provides for substance use disorder screening of all misdemeanor DUI offenders. (8/1/26) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

NY HB1075

Mental health and substance use disorder screening.

NY HB1305

Mental health and substance use disorder screening.

NY A626

Increases access to substance use disorder treatment; Requires Medicaid coverage for substance use disorder services provided by community-based organizations.

NY S2492

Increases access to substance use disorder treatment; Requires Medicaid coverage for substance use disorder services provided by community-based organizations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.