Nevada’s Oversight Lapses in Care for Opioid-Affected Infants Highlighted by Audit
A recent legislative audit has brought to light significant oversights by Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo’s administration in managing care plans for infants affected by opioid exposure. The findings suggest that the state’s monitoring mechanisms were insufficient, potentially impacting the well-being of vulnerable infants.
Under Nevada regulations, healthcare providers are mandated to create comprehensive treatment plans targeting the specific needs of infants exposed to opioids, as well as support systems for their mothers or caregivers. The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) is tasked with the evaluation and supervision of these plans. However, the audit reveals that DPBH has not fulfilled these obligations effectively.
Upon reviewing 20 care plans, the audit discovered that 20% lacked documentation of any services or referrals for the infants. Furthermore, 45% did not include evidence that mothers were offered treatment referrals. The audit also noted the absence of DPBH’s active review or oversight in the implementation of these plans.
This lack of oversight poses significant human and financial risks. Infants may not receive the necessary care, and the state’s failure to adhere to stipulated guidelines could jeopardize federal funding aimed at opioid prevention.
Although the audit’s findings were released in April, the Lombardo administration has yet to provide a response or strategy to address these deficiencies.
While Nevada registered a provisional total of 1,056 drug overdose deaths last year, the state has seen only minimal progress in reducing these numbers compared to the broader national decline, as reported by the CDC.
As Gov. Lombardo campaigns for re-election, he faces criticism from his opponent, state Attorney General Aaron Ford, who played a pivotal role in securing $1.2 billion in opioid settlements for Nevada.
The original article can be found on American Journal News.
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