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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR Gutierrez

DATE TYPED 3/7/2005 HB HJM 101

SHORT TITLE Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness

SB

ANALYST Dunbar

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

NFI

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD)

NM Public Education Department (NMPED)

Human Services Department (HSD)

Department of Health (DOH)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Joint Memorial 101 directs the state of New Mexico to recognize the issue of Fetal Alco-

hol Syndrome (FAS) and promotes the viewing of “Gary and the Angels” film to increase

awareness and education of FAS, and with the goal of reducing of FAS. State agencies would

direct staff to facilitate viewing of the film.

Significant Issues

FAS is a leading cause of birth defects. The problems associated with FAS include a spectrum

of physical anomalies exhibited in children, as well as the fact that it is a major cause of mental

retardation and developmental disabilities (Institute of Medicine, 1996). The prevention of FAS

is totally dependent upon a pregnant woman’s decision whether or not to consume alcohol during

pregnancy; male consumption of alcohol does not affect the incidence of FAS. Unfortunately

pregnant women often do not receive information regarding the dangers of alcohol consumption

during gestation and many do not understand that alcohol should be avoided completely. The

House Joint Memorial 101 Page 2

prevalence of FAS in New Mexico is 1 per 1,000 births. Children with FAS are often recipients

of the child protective services system and in special education, although a diagnosis of FAS

may not be noted. Over the past twenty years, FAS has affected some communities in New

Mexico more than others. Past research indicates that FAS was prevalent among Native Ameri-

can populations in the early 1980s, with as many as 2 per 1,000 births affected. This rate has

been reduced substantially due to the efforts of CASAA and its community partners.

FAS is difficult to diagnose and establishing the prevalence has been a real challenge for re-

searchers. Three major methods are used to diagnose FAS: 1) hospital birth registries; 2) clinic

based interventions; and 3) active case ascertainment. These methods require coordination

among a variety of providers as well as appropriate funding. HJM 101 would require the state to

recognize FAS as an issue, which has been accomplished. HJM 101 provides opportunity for

appropriate state agencies and providers to develop additional strategies to further reduce the

prevalence of FAS through prevention activities.

The University of New Mexico Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addictions

(CASAA) currently receives $72,000 from the Department of Health to administer a statewide

FAS prevention project; activities include educational services to high school students. CASAA

also administers the Graduation Reality and Dual-role Skills (GRADS) Program for pregnant and

parenting teens through federal funds. FAS prevention is a major part of the curriculum. HJM

101 would expand current educational efforts through the distribution of the “Gary and the An-

gels” video.

PED indicates that the department:

•

can not promote or market a single product (“Gary and the Angels” video)

•

must first preview the video before we recommend it to use for FAS prevention

•

must know the target audience of the video to ensure age appropriateness

•

has a policy for the adoption of instructional materials

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

New Mexico Medical Assistance Division (Comments)

There are no negative implications for Medicaid. Public education and outreach to promote

awareness of FAS could be a positive step in helping women of child-bearing age be aware of

FAS and its prevention.

New Mexico Public Education Department (Comments)

According to the New Mexico Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Active Case Ascertainment Study:

-

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a chronic yet preventable condition

-

1 of every 1000 children in New Mexico are affected by FAS

-

children with FAS are frequently involved in Child Protective Services and Special Edu-

cation

-

81% of women in New Mexico reported some knowledge of FAS, yet 19% feel that 1, 2

or more drinks a day will not harm a developing fetus.

BD/yr