This commentary examines how pediatric hospitalists can improve care for newborns exposed to substances before birth. It discusses Connecticut’s approach to federal notification requirements, which separates certain notifications of prenatal substance exposure from automatic reports to child protective services.
The authors highlight concerns about inconsistent reporting practices, potentially unnecessary toxicology testing, stigmatizing terminology, and racial disparities. They encourage multidisciplinary review of infant safety concerns and closer collaboration among hospital teams, public health agencies, and child welfare systems to support families while avoiding unnecessary punitive responses.
Original summary based on the published article. Source: View publication.
