Section 1 of Chapter 111G of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting at the end thereof the following definitions:-
"Substance-Exposed Newborn", a newborn who was exposed to alcohol or other drugs ingested by the mother in utero, whether or not this exposure is detected at birth through a drug screen or withdrawal symptoms.
"Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome", symptoms and signs exhibited by a newborn due to drug withdrawal, the term used to represent the pattern of effects that are associated with opioid withdrawal in newborns.
Section 2 of Chapter 111G of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting at the end thereof the following paragraph:-
The department shall review and revise the early intervention operational standards to ensure that children under the age of 3, who are diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and children under the age of 3, who meet the definition of substance-exposed newborns, are deemed categorically eligible for early intervention services until the child's third birthday.
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