Review of Mandated Reports of Children Born with a Physical Dependence on an Addictive Drug at the UMass Memorial Medical Center, Inc.

This is a Massachusetts State Auditor performance audit of UMass Memorial Medical Center covering January 1, 2014 through August 31, 2016.

“In this performance audit, we assessed UMMMC’s compliance with certain aspects of Section 51A of Chapter 119 of the General Laws.”

The auditor checked whether the hospital followed the state law requiring reports to child-protection officials when a baby is born physically dependent on an addictive drug.

“Section 51A of Chapter 119 of the General Laws requires mandated reporters to report to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) when a child is born with a physical dependence on an addictive drug.”

These reports matter because substance-exposed newborns can face serious health, developmental, and safety risks.

“According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), infants born with a physical dependence on an addictive drug (i.e., SENs) are at risk of a variety of medical conditions and developmental disabilities as well as abuse and neglect.”

For ordinary citizens, this audit is about whether hospitals are promptly alerting child-protection officials so vulnerable newborns can get attention and care.

“To help provide proper care and treatment to SENs, the Legislature enacted Section 51A of Chapter 119 of the Massachusetts General Laws.”

The hospital needed better oversight to make sure required reports were completed, kept, and sent on time.

“UMMMC had not established proper oversight controls to ensure that its staff followed its policies and procedures regarding the completion, retention, and submission of all Section 51A reports within mandated timeframes.”

The auditor recommended stronger controls, and the hospital said it would enhance controls and consider better record-retention practices.

“UMMMC will enhance controls to ensure that all mandated reporters at UMMMC file 51A reports with DCF within 48 hours of making an oral report to DCF when they have reasonable cause to believe that a child or newborn is suffering physical or emotional injury because of abuse, neglect, or physical dependence upon an addictive drug.”

The audit found a real compliance gap: 79 reports were late, one was not sent, and some records proving reports were sent could not be found.

“An additional 79 reports were not sent within the 48-hour timeframe required by Section 51A of Chapter 119 of the Massachusetts General Laws.”

A mandated reporter is someone whose job brings them into contact with children and who is legally required to report certain concerns to child-protection officials.

“This law defines mandated reporters as people who have direct contact with children under the age of 18 as part of their jobs.”