House Committee Backs Review of Prescription Drugs on Newborns

The House Health & Human Services Quality Subcommittee backed an effort Tuesday by Attorney General Pam Bondi to establish a task force focused on prescription drug abuse, specifically its impact on newborns.

HB 227, announced in October, would create a 10-member statewide task force, with Bondi as chair, that would examine the emerging problem of Neonatal Withdrawal Syndrome as it pertains to prescription drugs.

Other task force members would include the state surgeon general, the secretary of Children and Family Services, the secretary of the Health Care Administration, the executive director of the Department of Law Enforcement, a state senator appointed by Senate President Mike Haridopolos, a House member appointed by Speaker Dean Cannon, a representative from the Florida Medical Association, a representative from the Florida Hospital Association, and a representative from an addiction and recovery association appointed by the attorney general.

The effort still needs the approval of the full House and Senate.