A provider of health care who delivers or provides medical services to an infant in a medical facility and who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the infant was born with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, is affected by prenatal substance abuse or is experiencing symptoms of withdrawal from a substance as a result of exposure to the substance in utero, shall ensure that a CARA Plan of Care is established for the infant before the infant is discharged from the medical facility.
A provider of health care who delivers or provides medical services to an infant in a medical facility and who, in his or her professional capacity, knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the infant was born with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, is affected by prenatal substance abuse or is experiencing symptoms of withdrawal from a substance as a result of exposure to the substance in utero
Within 24 hours after the discharge.
CARA Plan of Safe Care reports can now be made on the OpenBeds Platform (click on "Visit Portal Site" button above).
A CARA Plan of Care must be completed using the form prescribed by the Division and include, without limitation:
(a) Measures to ensure the immediate safety of the infant;
(b) Measures to address the needs of the infant and his or her family or caregiver for substance abuse treatment and health care;
(c) Measures to ensure that the infant and his or her family or caregiver receive any necessary services, including, without limitation, referrals to appropriate providers of such services; and
(d) Any other information necessary to ensure that the needs of the infant are met.
When an infant is discharged from a medical facility, the medical facility shall provide a copy of any CARA Plan of Care established pursuant to subsection 1 to:
(a) Each parent or legal guardian of the infant to whom the CARA Plan of Care pertains, or both, if applicable; and
(b) The Division, within 24 hours after the discharge.
Once the form is complete, submit the entire form (and toxicology results attached, if available) to the Perinatal Substance Use Treatment Network, Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health. See 'Contact Information' below.
Please note that participation in a CARA Plan of Care is voluntary for a parent/caregiver however, when a CARA Plan of Care is completed, a report must be made to the local child welfare agency. If the parent/caregiver refuses to participate in the development of a CARA Plan of Care, this should be noted on the form that is submitted to the Department of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH).
NRS 432B.220 requires a mandatory reporter “who delivers or provides medical services to a newborn infant and who, in his or her professional or occupational capacity, knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the newborn infant has been affected by a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or prenatal substance use disorder or has withdrawal” to make a report to Child Protective Services (CPS).
Perinatal Substance Use Treatment Network
Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Agency
4126 Technology Way, Suite 200, Carson City, NV 89706
Telephone: (775) 684-2217
Email: nevadaperinatalhealth@gmail.com
Fax: 775-684-4185
*NAC 449 has not yet been updated to include the approved regulations R133-18.
Sec. 7. 1. A provider of health care who delivers or provides medical services to an infant in a medical facility and who, in his or her professional capacity, knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the infant was born with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, is affected by prenatal substance abuse or is experiencing symptoms of withdrawal from a substance as a result of exposure to the substance in utero, shall ensure that a CARA Plan of Care is established for the infant before the infant is discharged from the medical facility.
Originating Legislation: SB480 (2017)
Originating Regulations: R133-18
See Also: Child Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment
For more information on Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), please click here.
For more information on Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), please click here.
