2018 Revised Code of Washington
Title 71 - MENTAL ILLNESS
71.24 Community mental health services act.
71.24.560 Opioid treatment programs—Pregnant women—Information and education.

RCW 71.24.560 Opioid treatment programs—Pregnant women—Information and education.

(1) All approved opioid treatment programs that provide services to women who are pregnant are required to disseminate up-to-date and accurate health education information to all their pregnant clients concerning the possible addiction and health risks that their treatment may have on their baby. All pregnant clients must also be advised of the risks to both them and their baby associated with not remaining on the opioid treatment program. The information must be provided to these clients both verbally and in writing. The health education information provided to the pregnant clients must include referral options for the substance-exposed baby.

(2) The department shall adopt rules that require all opioid treatment programs to educate all pregnant women in their program on the benefits and risks of medication-assisted treatment to their fetus before they are provided these medications, as part of their treatment. The department shall meet the requirements under this subsection within the appropriations provided for opioid treatment programs. The department, working with treatment providers and medical experts, shall develop and disseminate the educational materials to all certified opioid treatment programs.

[ 2017 c 297 § 11; 2016 sp.s. c 29 § 506; 2005 c 70 § 2; 1995 c 312 § 46; 1990 c 151 § 5. Prior: 1989 c 270 § 19; 1989 c 175 § 131; 1972 ex.s. c 122 § 9. Formerly RCW 70.96A.090.]

NOTES:

Findings—Intent—2017 c 297: See note following RCW 18.22.800.

Effective dates—2016 sp.s. c 29: See note following RCW 71.05.760.

Short title—Right of action—2016 sp.s. c 29: See notes following RCW 71.05.010.

Findings—Intent—2005 c 70: "The legislature finds that drug use among pregnant women is a significant and growing concern statewide. The legislature further finds that methadone, although an effective alternative to other substance use treatments, can result in babies who are exposed to methadone while in uteri being born addicted and facing the painful effects of withdrawal.

It is the intent of the legislature to notify all pregnant mothers who are receiving methadone treatment of the risks and benefits methadone could have on their baby during pregnancy through birth and to inform them of the potential need for the newborn baby to be taken care of in a hospital setting or in a specialized supportive environment designed specifically to address newborn addiction problems." [ 2005 c 70 § 1.]

Short title—1995 c 312: See note following RCW 13.32A.010.

Effective date—1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.