Blog
July 25, 2024
First Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use Certification Recipients
This June, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), and the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) announced the first Center of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use certification recipients: The University of Washington Medical Center – Northwest of Seattle, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center of Spokane, and Providence Holy Family Hospital of Spokane.
Created in collaboration between DOH, WSHA, and HCA, the certificate recognizes hospitals that support birthing parents and infants affected by substance use disorder by adopting specific perinatal care best practices. “Our hope in creating the Centers of Excellence for Perinatal Substance Use certification is to set a system of care for parents and infants impacted by the behavioral health crisis,” said Lacy Fehrenbach, Chief of Prevention, Safety and Health, DOH. “This joint effort is guided by proven science and compassion.”
As the organizational entity of Help Me Grow in Washington state, WithinReach is honored to play a key role in the criteria for this certification and proud of our ongoing partnerships with all three of these birthing hospitals. Help Me Grow Washington’s Mental and Behavioral Health team provides specialized support to families referred to us through the Plan of Safe Care portal. We partner with birthing hospitals across the state as a trusted warm handoff by supporting families experiencing substance use disorder after they leave the hospital with their newborn.
“All families should have access to comprehensive screening, compassionate care, and resources to empower them as they go through pregnancy and adjust to life in the critical postpartum period,” said Kate Agyei Yeboah, Perinatal Partnership Manager at WithinReach. “Big issues require big solutions. Substance misuse affects so many families in Washington state and this certificate is another opportunity for hospitals to be a part of the multi-pronged solution. As an organization also aiming to participate in this mission, we are honored that Help Me Grow was named as a partner in this work.”
In order to receive this certification hospitals must meet these eight criteria:
Eight Criteria
Criterion 1: Verbally screen every person giving birth for substance use disorder with a validated screening tool.
- Recommended Screening Tool: 5P’s
Criterion 2: Verbally screen every person giving birth for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) with a validated screening tool (Note: This screening should be in addition to any hospital-wide mandatory mental health screenings and be validated for the perinatal population)
- Recommended Screening Tool: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) (PDF)
Criterion 3: Has a provider on-site or on-call that has the skills and scope to begin maintenance medications that treat opioid use disorder and/or adjust (titrate) maintenance medications that treat opioid use disorder during labor and delivery, and postpartum.
OR If the hospital does not have an on-site/on-call provider, there is a procedure in place to consult with a provider to initiate or adjust maintenance medications when needed.
Criterion 4: Allows birth parent and infant to room together, unless the birth parent is in the ICU, or there are medical reasons outside of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome for the infant to be in the NICU.
Criterion 5: Have an evidence informed policy for breastfeeding with medications that treat opioid use disorder that is trauma informed and supports choice.
Criterion 6:Practice the use of on-pharmacological interventions as the first line of treatment for withdrawal symptoms in the infant.
Criterion 7: Have patient education requirements that include communication with parents about what to expect regarding the notification and report process for infants exposed to substances and what may be expected regarding potential interactions with child welfare.
Criterion 8: Have a system in place to support care coordination at discharge, including a warm handoff if the patient is scheduled to receive care from a provider they haven’t met with before.
Read the list in full and see approved screening tools and examples on the DOH’s website.