More and more Americans are playing doctor in the privacy of their own bathrooms, using a few drops of blood or a urine sample to test for cholesterol, blood glucose, or evidence of colon or rectal cancer. In fact, a snippet of a child's hair now can confirm the use of illicit drugs.
For years, pregnancy tests and ovulation predictors dominated the home test kit market. While these devices still generate large numbers of self-care sales, other tools of the medical trade are fast becoming available outside the doctor's office--no prescription needed. Spiraling health-care costs, increased interest in preventive health care, and a desire for privacy are paving the way for products that now include screening for the virus that causes AIDS and for drugs of abuse.

Senator Snowe (R-ME) introduced S. 614, titled the "Child Protection/Alcohol and Drug Partnerships for Children Act."
The bill would provide grants to states, tribal organizations and territories to child welfare and alcohol and drug treatment and prevention agencies to address the impact of alcohol and drug addiction on children and families that come to the attention of the child welfare system. The bill would provide a total of $1.9 billion nationwide over 5 years for a range of activities to expand and improve treatment for this population.