Staff Reports
Mass General Brigham, the state’s largest hospital network, has made a jaw-dropping announcement that has sent shockwaves through the medical community and beyond. Brace yourselves, folks, because they have decided to stop reporting to state welfare agencies when a baby is born with drugs in its system. Why, you ask? Well, according to Boston.com, they claim it’s because substance abuse in pregnant mothers “disproportionately affects black people.” Can you believe it? The audacity!
MA Hospital Network Makes a Shocking Change on Reporting Babies Born With Drugs in System
https://t.co/zea3lvCRDf— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) April 4, 2024
Dr. Sarah Wakeman, the senior medical director for substance use disorder at Mass General Brigham, is standing behind this policy change, arguing that it’s all “based on sound science.” Sound science? More like sound insanity! The hospital is planning to implement this ludicrous change later this month, joining forces with Boston Medical Center in revising its policy. The new rule dictates that hospital staff will only report a baby to state investigators if there’s concern about an imminent risk of abuse or neglect, rather than relying on the infant’s blood test results. What a load of baloney!
Mass General Brigham’s leadership is claiming that this change is perfectly legal under state law. Are they serious? The state’s mandatory reporting requirement says that the Department of Children and Families must be notified if a child is injured by dependence on an addictive drug at birth. This has led most hospitals to file child welfare reports for newborns dependent on drugs such as opioids. But I guess they think they’re above the law now, huh?
This decision has sparked outrage and disbelief among social media users, and it’s not hard to see why. Some folks are calling it “utterly insane” and “crazy as hell,” while others are expressing their shock and frustration. It’s no wonder people are up in arms about this nonsensical policy change – it’s like they’ve completely lost touch with common sense and basic decency!
And get this – legislation is being considered on Beacon Hill that would amend the state’s reporting requirement. The proposed bill would direct the state Department of Public Health to write new regulations about drug dependence and child welfare reporting at birth and require health officials to design plans aimed at helping parents managing an addiction. What on earth is going on up there?
The bottom line is that Mass General Brigham’s decision to stop reporting babies born with drugs in their system is not only mind-boggling but also incredibly reckless. It’s a slap in the face to the safety and well-being of these innocent babies, not to mention a gross misinterpretation of the law. Let’s hope some much-needed common sense prevails and puts an end to this outrage!
