Relating to child abuse based on use of a controlled substance by a pregnant woman

This bill relates to child abuse based on use of a controlled substance by a pregnant woman. For purposes of determining child abuse, the bill includes an individual organism of the species homo sapiens from fertilization to live birth within the meaning of “child”. The bill includes within the definition of “child abuse”, the use of a controlled substance by a pregnant female responsible for the care of a child. By operation of law, the bill requires mandatory reporters of child abuse to report the use of a controlled substance by a pregnant woman to the department of health and human services (HHS) as child abuse. Upon receiving a report of child abuse based on use of a controlled substance by a pregnant female responsible for the care of a child, HHS will commence a child abuse assessment to determine if the report is founded, offer support to the alleged abuser, and perform other actions as permitted by law to protect the health of the child.