When babies are born, the hospital runs several routine blood tests to monitor their general health. In the past, Illinois hospitals were legally required to report to the authorities if a baby tested positive for drugs. That often led to investigations and criminal charges. Advocates for getting mothers the help they need while focusing on the baby’s best interests have led to changes in the law. If you are concerned your baby might test positive for drugs and unsure of the legal implications, speak with a qualified Chicago, IL criminal defense attorney to learn more.
Illinois’s New Reporting Laws for Babies Testing Positive for Drugs
Illinois’ General Assembly recently passed a new law stating that hospitals are no longer required to report newborns who test positive for drugs to the police. These reports led to many investigations as well as charges of child abuse or neglect in the past. The new bill shifts the emphasis from automatic legal action to a more supportive approach.