In an investigatory piece conducted in conjunction with Reuters, NBC Nightly News (12/13, story 7, 4:20, Snow) reported that the number of infants born with neonatal abstinence syndrome “has risen five-fold over the last dozen years.” Under a Federal law, “hospitals are supposed to report” such newborns “to protective services.” But, “despite the federal law, Reuters and NBC identified over 100 cases in the last five years when” babies of mothers who “used opioids…died preventable deaths after being sent home.”
Former Pennsylvania Congressman Jim Greenwood, who “sponsored the law to protect” such infants, placed the onus of enforcement on “the Secretary of Health and Human Services.” NBC News correspondent Cynthia McFadden said, “The Secretary of Health and Human Services declined our repeated request for an interview.”
Related Links:
— “Newborns Die After Going Home With Moms Fighting Drug Addiction,” Duff Wilson and John Schiffman, NBC Nightly News, December 7, 2015.