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SB 1655

prenatal substance exposure; care plan

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Eva Burch

Arizona bill requiring healthcare providers to create coordinated prenatal care plans for pregnant people with documented substance use disorders to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Senate Second Reading
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Bill Summary · SB 1655

Legislative bill overview

SB 1655 requires healthcare providers to develop and implement care plans for pregnant individuals with documented substance use disorders. The bill establishes protocols for prenatal screening, intervention, and coordination of treatment services to address substance exposure during pregnancy.

Why is this important

Prenatal substance exposure carries significant health risks for developing fetuses and newborns, including withdrawal symptoms, developmental complications, and long-term cognitive effects. Structured care plans can improve maternal and fetal outcomes by ensuring coordinated treatment, reducing stigma, and connecting pregnant individuals with evidence-based addiction services during a critical intervention window.

Potential points of contention

  • Mandatory reporting vs. confidentiality: The bill may create tensions between requirements to document substance use and concerns that this discourages pregnant individuals from seeking prenatal care or admitting substance use to providers
  • Resource allocation and provider capacity: Implementation requires healthcare systems and addiction treatment providers to coordinate services; rural or underserved areas may lack sufficient treatment capacity to meet demand
  • Definition and scope of "substance exposure": Ambiguity about which substances trigger care plan requirements (prescription medications, alcohol, illicit drugs) could lead to inconsistent application or over-inclusion of low-risk situations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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