HB2530

THE CONTEXT: DCS must operate and maintain a centralized intake hotline to protect children by receiving at all times communications concerning suspected abuse or neglect. If a person communicates suspected abuse or neglect to a DCS employee other than through the hotline, the employee must refer the person or communication to the hotline.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would require DCS, upon receiving a communication involving substance use by a pregnant woman, to provide the caller with the contact information for AHCCCS and to transfer the call to AHCCCS, if possible, instruct AHCCCS to refer the pregnant woman to a provider for substance use treatment, and specifies that a receipt of a communication involving substance use by a pregnant woman may not result in an investigation of abuse or neglect.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to give the people who rely on the rule clearer information and a defined reporting process. It would require DCS, upon receiving a communication involving substance use by a pregnant woman, to provide the caller with the contact information for AHCCCS and to transfer the call to AHCCCS, if possible, and would also instruct AHCCCS to refer the pregnant woman to a provider for substance use treatment, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.