An Act relative to substance exposed newborns

This bill updates Massachusetts laws regarding how healthcare providers handle newborns who were exposed to substances in the womb. It clarifies that simply finding drugs in a baby does not automatically mean the parents are neglectful, but it does require doctors to report cases where there is a risk the parents cannot care for the child after leaving the hospital. The legislation also introduces a "Plan of Safe Care," which is a strategy to ensure the baby and family have access to necessary health and treatment services once the infant goes home. Additionally, the bill mandates that hospitals screen pregnant patients for substance use, notify state health officials about these births, and connect families with support services to address addiction and parenting needs.