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SB 2232NORTH DAKOTASession 69State BillSigned into law

Enacted

North Dakota Senate Bill 2232 creates reporting exemptions for postpartum substance treatment

Original title: AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 50-25.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to an exemption for postpartum exposure to controlled substances and alcohol; to amend and reenact sections 50-25.1-16 and 50-25.1-17 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to reporting requirements for prenatal exposure to controlled substances and alcohol abuse and toxicology test requirements; and to repeal section 50-25.1-18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to reporting requirements for prenatal exposure to alcohol misuse.

Last action · April 24, 2025: Filed with Secretary Of State 04/22Sponsors: Scott Meyer and 5 others

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What This Bill Does

North Dakota Senate Bill 2232 creates a reporting exemption for postpartum women receiving substance abuse or postnatal care services and makes physician ing and reporting discretionary rather than mandatory. The law applies to medical professionals, social service workers, and postpartum individuals in North Dakota.

Why it matters

Changes reporting mandates and liability protections for medical personnel handling s and substance exposure cases, affecting when healthcare providers must report patients to state authorities.

Background

The North Dakota Century Code contains the codified laws of the state of North Dakota, governing various aspects of state administration, social services, and public health. context
Chapter 50-25.1 of the North Dakota Century Code establishes provisions for child abuse and neglect protection, including reporting obligations related to prenatal and substance exposure. context

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Physicians and Medical Personnel

Their legal obligations regarding toxicology testing and reporting of prenatal and postpartum substance exposure are changed from mandatory to discretionary, and they receive liability immunity under established protocols.

Directly affected

Pregnant and Postpartum Women

They are eligible for reporting exemptions while participating in voluntary substance abuse treatment programs and postnatal care.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are medical professionals exempt from reporting postpartum substance exposure?

Professionals are exempt from reporting when they are providing or collaborating with other professionals to provide the woman or her infant with postpartum or substance abuse services, including voluntary entrance into a licensed treatment program.

Are physicians still required to administer toxicology tests to pregnant women or newborns under the new law?

No, the law changes the requirement so that physicians may administer s and report positive results rather than being strictly required to do so.

What happens if a woman discontinues her treatment program?

If the woman discontinues regular postnatal care, fails to cooperate in infant services, fails to follow treatment recommendations, or continues substance abuse, the professional is required to report in accordance with section 50-25-03.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Current status: Signed into law.

Procedural history

18 actions

Apr 24, 2025
Filed with Secretary Of State 04/22
Apr 23, 2025SenateEnrolled
Signed by Governor 04/21
Apr 18, 2025SenateEnrolled
Sent to Governor
Apr 18, 2025Senate
Signed by President
Apr 18, 2025House
Signed by Speaker
Apr 15, 2025SenateFloor
Second reading, passed, yeas 44 nays 2

Show 12 earlier actions

Apr 15, 2025Senate
Concurred
Apr 9, 2025Senate
Returned to Senate (12)
Apr 8, 2025HouseFloor
Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 57 nays 36
Apr 3, 2025HouseCommittee
Amendment adopted, placed on calendar
Apr 1, 2025HouseCommittee
Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 7 6 0
Mar 17, 2025HouseCommittee
Committee Hearing 02:30
Feb 18, 2025HouseIntroduced
Introduced, first reading, referred Human Services Committee
Feb 5, 2025House
Received from Senate
Feb 4, 2025SenateFloor
Second reading, passed, yeas 46 nays 0
Feb 3, 2025SenateCommittee
Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 6 0 0
Feb 3, 2025SenateCommittee
Committee Hearing 09:00
Jan 17, 2025SenateIntroduced
Introduced, first reading, referred Human Services Committee

Version history

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Lobbying Activity

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Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

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