Protecting Our Infants Act of 2015
Latest action (25 Nov 2015): Signed by President.
What this bill does
The Protecting Our Infants Act of 2015 requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review its activities concerning prenatal opioid use and neonatal abstinence syndrome. The department must then develop a strategy to address gaps in research and any overlaps or duplications among federal programs related to this issue.
HHS is also directed to conduct a study and propose recommendations for preventing and treating opioid use disorders in pregnant women and their effects on infants. This includes assessing existing research on neonatal abstinence syndrome, evaluating causes and treatment barriers for opioid use disorders in women of reproductive age, and recommending ways to reduce disparities in prenatal opioid use among different demographic groups.
This bill was introduced in the Senate in March 2015 and was signed into law by the President in November 2015, making it an enacted law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on October 1, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Protecting Our Infants Act of 2015
(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review its activities related to prenatal opioid use, including neonatal abstinence syndrome, and develop a strategy to address gaps in research and gaps and overlap in programs. (An opioid is a drug with effects similar to opium, such as heroin or certain pain medications. Neonatal abstinence syndrome is withdrawal in a newborn.)
(Sec. 3) HHS must conduct a study and develop recommendations for preventing and treating prenatal opioid use disorders, including the effects of those disorders on infants. HHS must publish a report that includes:
• an assessment of existing research on neonatal abstinence syndrome;
• an evaluation of the causes, and barriers to treatment, of opioid use disorders among women of reproductive age and recommendations on preventing opioid use disorders in these women;
• an evaluation of, and recommendations on, treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorders and the effects of prenatal opioid use on infants; and
• an evaluation of the differences in prenatal opioid use between demographic groups and recommendations on reducing disparities.
Timeline
25 Nov 2015
Signed by President.
16 Nov 2015
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
22 Oct 2015
Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.
30 Sep 2015
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Common questions
- What does S. 799 do?
- The Protecting Our Infants Act of 2015 requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review its activities concerning prenatal opioid use and neonatal abstinence syndrome. The department must then develop a strategy to address gaps in research and any overlaps or duplications among federal programs related to this issue. HHS is also directed to conduct a study and propose recommendations for preventing and treating opioid use disorders in pregnant women and their effects on infants. This includes assessing existing research on neonatal abstinence syndrome, evaluating causes and treatment barriers for opioid use disorders in women of reproductive age, and recommending ways to reduce disparities in prenatal opioid use among different demographic groups. This bill was introduced in the Senate in March 2015 and was signed into law by the President in November 2015, making it an enacted law.
- Has S. 799 become law?
- Yes. S. 799 has been enacted. Status last updated 25 Nov 2015.
- Who sponsored S. 799?
- S. 799 was sponsored by Sen. Mitch McConnell [R-KY] (Republican-KY), with 22 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 799?
- Signed by President. (25 Nov 2015).
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