Mar 18, 2016 By The 2 min read

Bipartisan legislation to address infant addiction and that has the backing of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey passed a key Senate committee Thursday.

The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee unanimously passed the Plan of Safe Care Improvement Act, which, according to a release from Casey, D-Scranton, “would increase states’ accountability, improve compliance with federal policy designed to protect infants affected by substance abuse, and save the lives of vulnerable infants whose mothers used opioids during pregnancy.”

The release said the legislation would require states to have policies and procedures for the development of a “plan of safe care” for infants affected by substance abuse or withdrawal as well as monitoring programs.

Also, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services would have to develop guidelines on best practices for states to implement safe care plans.

Casey noted in the statement that an opioid epidemic is sweeping the country and infants are not spared.

“Every 19 minutes, an infant is born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, and they are the most vulnerable victims of this epidemic,” Casey said. “This legislation is an important step in ensuring these children are protected. I am grateful for the committee’s support and look forward to continuing our work on this important issue.”