DHS EXPECTED PRACTICES

Los Angeles County has revised its expected practices regarding drug use by pregnant and perinatal individuals, in line with our recommendations and demands.

Purpose:

• To provide evidence-based guidance on identifying and treating substance use disorders for patients within DHS during their pregnancies and the peripartum period.

• To formalize an ethical process for offering toxicology testing to patients who are pregnant and through the peripartum period. To provide guidance on mandated reporting to child protective services with regards to maternal urine toxicology.

Rationale: Untreated substance use disorder (SUD) during pregnancy can lead to morbid outcomes for both patients, their developing pregnancies, and their families. Overdose death is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality.

Target Audience: All DHS providers, social workers, and behavioral health clinicians and staff.