North Dakota Code 50-25.1-16 – Prenatal exposure to controlled substances – Reporting requirements
1. An individual required to report under section 50-25.1-03 who has knowledge of or reasonable cause to suspect that a woman is pregnant and has used a controlled substance for a nonmedical purpose during the pregnancy shall report the circumstances to the department or authorized agent if the knowledge or suspicion is derived from information received by that individual in that individual’s official or professional capacity.
Terms Used In North Dakota Code 50-25.1-16
- Individual: means a human being. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
2. Any individual may make a voluntary report if the individual has knowledge of or reasonable cause to suspect that a woman is pregnant and has used a controlled substance for a nonmedical purpose during the pregnancy.
3. If a report alleges a pregnant woman’s use of a controlled substance for a nonmedical purpose, the department or authorized agent immediately shall initiate an appropriate assessment that must include a referral for assessment of the presence of a substance use disorder with expectation to follow any treatment recommendations, and a referral for prenatal care. The department or authorized agent may also take any appropriate action under chapter 25-03.1.
4. A report and assessment under this section is not required if the pregnant woman voluntarily enters treatment in a licensed treatment program. If the pregnant woman does not complete voluntary treatment, continues to use controlled substances for a nonmedical purpose, or fails to follow treatment recommendations, an individual required to report under section 50-25.1-03 who has knowledge of the failure to complete voluntary treatment, continued use of controlled substance for nonmedical purpose, or failure to follow treatment recommendations shall make a report as required by this section.
5. A report under this section must be made as described in section 50-25.1-04 and must be sufficient to identify the woman, the nature and extent of use, if known, and the name and address of the individual making the report.