Michigan has updated its mandated reporter guidance for infants born exposed to substances, establishing distinct reporting requirements for exposure to non-medically prescribed substances and exposure related to prescribed treatment. The updates are intended to clarify reporting responsibilities, reduce unnecessary child welfare involvement and strengthen connections to family support services. An updated mandated reporter training reflecting these changes is now available and should be reviewed by providers.
The updated guidance includes the Plan of Safe Care (POSC), a tool developed with pregnant or parenting individuals whose infants are born exposed to substances. The POSC supports the infant’s health and safety while promoting family stability and service coordination. Plans may address basic needs, factors affecting health and well-being, substance use treatment and recovery, and connections to community-based resources. POSCs should be initiated as early as possible, ideally during the prenatal period, and may be developed by members of the healthcare team or through referrals to support providers.
The revised guidance clarifies how providers respond when infants are born exposed to non-medically prescribed substances, or when exposure to medically prescribed substances raises concerns related to abuse or neglect. In these cases, mandated reporters must submit a referral to Child Protective Services (CPS) Centralized Intake. Reports may be submitted through the Michigan Online Reporting System (MORS) or by calling (855)444-391. Providers should ask families whether a POSC has already been developed and can be shared.
When an infant is exposed only to medically prescribed substances, such as buprenorphine or methadone and no other safety concerns are present, providers should focus on connecting families to support services rather than child welfare intervention. In these cases, providers should refer families to Help Me Grow through the POSC website. If a plan has not yet been developed or if additional supports are needed, submit a notification instead of a referral to CPS Centralized Intake by phone.
Healthcare providers interested in virtual training related to these updates should contact Meagan Chuey at the State of Michigan.
Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.