Hello Association Executives-
Please see the announcement today (1/31) from HHs regarding a new standard clinical definition for opioid withdrawal in infants.
Dear all,
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) together with leading clinicians, researchers, and policy experts led the development of a standard clinical definition for opioid withdrawal in infants to help improve care. It is accompanied with a set of foundational principles that outlines bioethical uses for the definition, distinctly centering around identifying clinical and supportive care needs of mothers and their infants, using an evidence-based, compassionate, and equitable approach.
Across the U.S., the number of mothers with opioid-related diagnoses documented at delivery increased approximately 130% from 2010 to 2017, according to a 2021 report. Yet infants born with opioid exposure and withdrawal often lack consistent diagnosis and care.
"As a pediatrician, I have seen the need for a standard clinical definition for opioid withdrawal in neonates, and am excited to see this step in improving care for infants and their families as part of the HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy," said HHS Assistant Secretary for Health ADM Rachel Levine. "I look forward to working across all health sectors to get this definition adopted into clinical practice."
For more information, please see the materials below:
Marvin Figueroa, Director
Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, D.C.
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Keisha Pitts
Director, State Policy and Advocacy
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Washington DC
202-684-7457
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