WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Following an increase in babies born with drug or alcohol dependencies in Delaware, officials are working to ensure that when a "high-risk" baby is discharged, it'll be going home to a safe environment in which the mother has a necessary support system in place.
The Wilmington News Journal reports a committee of medical professionals, community leaders and state officials voted Friday to add six conditions that'll automatically trigger high-risk medical discharge reports from the hospital to the Delaware Division of Family Services.
The conditions include instances when the mother isn't caring for the infant or when the mother is using substances, but isn't in a treatment program.
Hospitals are already required to submit reports if a baby's diagnosed as being substance exposed or having a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
