Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Leveraging Health Information Technology to Develop a Data-Driven National Policy Approach

National abstinence syndrome, also referred to as neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NAS/NOWS), is a consequence of the opioid epidemic that affects many US communities. NAS/NOWS is a form of drug withdrawal that can occur in infants after in utero exposure to opioids and other substances. Strategies aimed at integrally supporting opioid-exposed mothers and infants are vital for long-term clinical care, including an emphasis on prepreganancy, prenatal., and post-natal pain management; opioid use disorder treatment and recovery services; and neurocognitive, behavioral, and academic development through childhood and adolescence. The purpose of this Executive Perspective is to highlight 4 key findings of a collaborative effort that the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is leading with national experts, propose ideas for further applications of this initiative, and describe implications for national policy for NAS/NOWS.