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Last updated on Monday, March 24, 2014
(INDIANAPOLIS) - A bill on Governor Pence’s desk would force the state’s hospitals to report every time a baby was born with drugs in it’s system.
The bill would help the state track what's known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), which is difficult right now since hospitals don't have to keep track of when it takes place.
"This is a program that for the first time allows us as a state to grasp the problem of infants born with drugs in their system," said Senator Jean Breaux (D, Indianapolis), a co-sponsor of the bill.
If the governor signs it, several groups - including the state Department of Health and the Indiana Medical Association - will also be directed to better study the problem, based on the data gathered by hospitals.
"It allows us to partner with hospitals so we can reduce the instance of babies born with drugs and allow them the opportunity of a better quality of life," Breaux said during an appearance with Attorney General Greg Zoeller, who also supported the bill.
State agencies would also begin a grant program to help reduce Indiana's infant mortality rate under the bill.
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