Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Fight Newborn Opioid Dependency

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the Maddie's Infant Recovery and Children's Legislative Emergency (MIRACLE) Act alongside Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) and Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA) to study Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). 

"As the opioid and drug epidemics spread through communities in Central Washington, and across the country, there is very little being done to address its impacts on the next generation," said Rep. Newhouse. "NAS is a critical condition that puts newborns in a situation they had no control over, with serious, lasting implications threatening their health early on. This legislation directs federal resources to expand our understanding of NAS, close gaps in research and data on how it affects babies, and ensure we are equipped to treat this condition through our federal healthcare system." 

Rep. Baumgartner said, "As a father and a member of the Spokane community, I have seen the courage and hope that Maddie’s Place brings to families facing the unimaginable challenge of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Every child in Eastern Washington deserves a healthy start, yet too many newborns—through no fault of their own—begin life in pain because of the opioid crisis. The MIRACLE Act stands for compassion and common sense. It gives us essential data to better care for newborns in need, helps states like ours offer proven recovery nursery solutions, and empowers caregivers at Maddie’s Place and across America who provide grace and healing every day. I’m proud to champion real progress for families in Eastern Washington and help every child begin life with hope."

Rep. Schrier said, "As a pediatrician, I’ve seen the discomfort of newborns withdrawing from narcotic exposure, and as the incidence of NAS rises, we need more research into long term impacts. Children’s well-being has always been one of my top priorities. I’m proud to work with my Washington delegation colleague, Congressman Newhouse, to introduce this legislation that will further our understanding of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and potential treatment options for impacted newborns." 

This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a study of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Specifically, it requires the Secretary to:  

• Conduct a national study on NAS prevalence, health outcomes, and service gaps.
• Identify barriers to data collection and accuracy at the state level.
• Evaluate care models at Pediatric Transitional Care Facilities (PTCFs), which provide wraparound care for infants and parents at far less Medicaid cost than the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The MIRACLE Act will provide Congress and all 50 states with the data needed to shape evidence-based and cost-effective policies that address NAS nationwide. 

The legislation is supported by Maddie’s Place, a nonprofit recovery nursery in Spokane, Washington, that provides free-standing, nurturing care for babies experiencing withdrawal due to prenatal substance exposure. 

Shaun Cross, President, Maddie's Place, said, "Within our national drug crisis is a much more sinister, silent crisis:  the tens of thousands of substance exposed infants born each year in our communities.  The MIRACLE Act will give these infants and their struggling parents a voice by seeking the data we don't have and raising awareness about the success stories coming out of a handful of clinics like Maddie's Place." 

Background 

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a condition that affects newborns who receive opioids or addictive substances through the placenta during pregnancy. Babies have withdrawal symptoms during their first few days of life and typically remain in a neonatal intensive care unit until their body rids itself of the drug or substance in their systems. These symptoms can persist for months and cause lasting effects and risks as children grow.

The incidence of NAS has increased substantially in the past decade, and this has coincided with the reported increase in use of opiates among pregnant mothers, which includes those that are prescribed and other forms such as fentanyl. 

The legislation is supported by Maddie’s Place, a nonprofit recovery nursery in Spokane, Washington, that provides free-standing, nurturing care for babies experiencing withdrawal due to prenatal substance exposure.  

See full bill text here. 

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