MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- South Carolina law makers are discussing a bill that would require medical professionals to report a child showing symptoms of withdrawal from drugs or alcohol.
Health care professionals are already required to report abuse, but what this bill does is requires them to submit a report to the Department of Social Services if they see a child less than a year old showing signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome, NAS.
The bill states the report does not presume child neglect or abuse. This legislation stems from the growing opioid crisis in the state. Horry County leads the state in the number of babies born with NAS.
That’s what the author of this bill, local Rep. Russell Fry said drives him to get this passed.
“This is just one way that I think we can get a handle on it and put families back together again. Make sure they comply with certain things, and make sure they don’t endanger themselves or their children,” said Rep. Fry.
Fry tried to pass similar legislation last year, and believes it’s on track to get passed this year. The bill passed a subcommittee, and now goes to the full house.
To read this legislation click here.