State Task Force to Examine Pregnancy Health and Substance Use Disorders

November 2, 2023

The Task Force on Pregnancy Health and Substance Use Disorders (TFPSUD) met for the first time on October 26 to lay the groundwork for recommending protocols for when physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants should administer a toxicology test and requirements for reporting for prenatal exposure to a controlled substance. 

The task force was established through legislation beginning July 1, 2023, and will conclude on December 1, 2024. The first meeting served as an orientation for task force members to learn about the work requested by the Minnesota Legislature, as well as an opportunity to get questions answered and set goals for task force efforts. 

Kurt DeVine, MD, from CentraCare – St. Cloud Hospital Addiction Services is officially representing the MMA on the task force. Two other MMA members are also serving – including Cresta Jones, MD, representing the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; and Chris Derauf, MD, representing the Minnesota Perinatal Quality Collaborative. 

Members of the task force will develop recommended protocols for when a toxicology test for prenatal exposure to a controlled substance should be administered to a birthing parent and a newborn infant. The task force must also recommend protocols for providing notice or reporting of prenatal exposure to a controlled substance to local welfare agencies under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 260E.   

By no later than December 1, 2024, the task force must submit a written report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over health and human services on the task force’s activities and recommendations on the protocols developed. 

Stay tuned to News Now for updates on task force efforts, as their work progresses.