protocol for illegal drugs

1. I was wondering what your protocols and legal/ethical responsibilities are regarding babies who test positive for illegal drugs. (Obviously their moms test positive too).
   
   Thanks.
   
   steph

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2. 

   About Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN Guide

   Joined: Dec '02; Posts: 41,738; Likes: 48,017

   5 Comments

   Topic Closed
3. 
   May 9, '03

   as far as i know the CN is suppose to call CPS right away and the baby will be placed in a foster care immediately after discharge.
   My friend is raising 2 kids from the same alcohol/crack addicted parents, they kids are 3 and 4 now.
   
   As far as ethics go..and this is not only drug related, all of the staff is expected to use their best judgement when abuse or neglect is suspected.
   For example, 2 parents brought their 3 year old to the ER for high fever. While they were sitting in a room, the staff overheard the mother "talking" to the child. The kid was crying from being sick, she was ticked off so she was calling him every name of the book and being sort of rough with him. Then the nurse went in to assess and found possible evidence of abuse - scratches and bruises that do not look like they came from a kid falling.
   They weren't SURE that the child was abused, but they were obligated to call SPC and let them investigate.
4. 
   May 9, '03

   We report results to Case Management who then contacts CPS. Child is usually placed until mom completes rehab.
5. 
   May 9, '03

   We immediately have to involved CPS And Social Services. That is a given 100%. what happens then depends on the drug and the situation.
6. 
   May 9, '03

   Thanks . . seems like there isn't a set policy . .
7. 
   May 9, '03

   We notify CPS and they are placed in foster care, but that's usually very temporary...sort of depressing.
   
   On a side note, we have had babies that test positive when the mom has tested negative on a UDS. Not sure of the reasoning or who peed in the cup or how much hydration she had or if it takes longer to be excreted from the baby, but if we question the results or the baby has some signs, even if the mom tests neg, we'll bag the baby to double check.

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