PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Nov 25, 2015
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on October 1, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Protecting Our Infants Act of 2015
(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review its activities related to prenatal opioid use, including neonatal abstinence syndrome, and develop a strategy to address gaps in research and gaps and overlap in programs. (An opioid is a drug with effects similar to opium, such as heroin or certain pain medications. Neonatal abstinence syndrome is withdrawal in a newborn.)
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
(Sec. 3) HHS must conduct a study and develop recommendations for preventing and treating prenatal opioid use disorders, including the effects of those disorders on infants. HHS must publish a report that includes:
an assessment of existing research on neonatal abstinence syndrome;
an evaluation of the causes, and barriers to treatment, of opioid use disorders among women of reproductive age and recommendations on preventing opioid use disorders in these women;
an evaluation of, and recommendations on, treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorders and the effects of prenatal opioid use on infants; and
an evaluation of the differences in prenatal opioid use between demographic groups and recommendations on reducing disparities.
(Sec. 4) HHS may continue providing technical assistance: (1) to states and Indian tribes to improve neonatal abstinence syndrome surveillance; and (2) to states to support implementation of effective public health measures, such as disseminating information to educate the public on prenatal opioid use and neonatal abstinence syndrome.
People & committees
Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY] · R–KY
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 114-91.
Became Public Law No: 114-91.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H8180)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H8180)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 799.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8180-8182)
Mr. Pitts moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7439-7441; text as passed Senate: CR S7439-7440)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S7439-7441; text as passed Senate: CR S7439-7440)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 246.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Alexander with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. Without written report.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Alexander with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. Without written report.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1662; text of measure as introduced: CR S1662-1663)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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