The Register- Herald: Bill to implement best practices for NAS babies

U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va., is calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement best practices for babies born exposed to opioids and other drugs.

The Protecting NAS (neonatal abstinence syndrome) Babies Act would require HHS to develop a strategy to implement recommendations from the Government Accountability Office’s study.

The report, “Protecting Our Infants Act: Final Strategy,” clearly defines best practices for NAS babies and promotes evidence-based protocols for identification and treatment of NAS, but HHS has not yet implemented them or developed a plan to implement them.

“Suffering through withdrawal from exposure to drugs such as heroin and other opioids is a horrific way to start one’s life, but tragically that’s still the reality for too many newborns in West Virginia,” Jenkins said. “This report included a number of best practices that, when implemented, will increase access to care and help these newborns heal.”

He said places in West Virginia like Lily’s Place and Cabell Huntington Hospital are leading the way with cutting-edge care.

“We must make sure that all healthcare facilities are using the most updated and appropriate care methods,” he said. “I hope Congress will act quickly to pass my legislation to implement these best practices and give more children the best chance for a healthy start in life.”