HOUSE BILL 463

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Gail Armstrong

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO CHILDREN; CREATING A PILOT PROGRAM FOR A PERINATAL INVESTIGATION AND SUPPORT UNIT WITHIN THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. TEMPORARY PROVISION--PERINATAL INVESTIGATION AND SUPPORT UNIT--PILOT PROGRAM CREATED--PURPOSE.--

          A. A "perinatal investigation and support unit" is created within the children, youth and families department as a two-year pilot program to investigate and assess all reports of substance-exposed newborns from health care providers statewide made pursuant to the requirements of Subsection A of Section 32A-4-3 NMSA 1978.

          B. The unit shall be staffed with qualified trauma-informed perinatal professionals whose responsibilities are to investigate and assess all such reported cases and to take appropriate measures to provide support for the families involved. The unit shall be trained in and use an evidence-based intensive care coordination model that is listed in the federal Title IV-E prevention services clearinghouse or another nationally recognized evidence-based clearinghouse for child welfare.

          C. The unit shall coordinate its operations with the department of health's maternal health program, the health care authority and the staff of the early childhood education and care department's home visiting program.

     SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION.--One hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the children, youth and families department for expenditure in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for the pilot perinatal investigation and support unit program created pursuant to Section 1 of this act. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2027 shall revert to the general fund.

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