SCRIPT: Smoking Cessation and Reduction in Pregnancy Treatment

Helping Pregnant Women Quit Smoking with Confidence

SCRIPT® (Smoking Cessation and Reduction in Pregnancy Treatment) is an evidence-based tobacco cessation program designed specifically to help pregnant women stop smoking. Used successfully across public health systems for over 30 years, SCRIPT® has helped thousands of women improve their health and the health of their babies.

What Is the SCRIPT® Program?

SCRIPT® is a structured, patient-centered counseling intervention integrated into prenatal care. It uses proven motivational interviewing techniques tailored to the unique needs of pregnant individuals who smoke.

The program is:

  • Developed through federally funded clinical trials
  • Aligns with the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ) Smoking Cessation Guidelines
  • Recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Why It Matters

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of:

  • Low birthweight
  • Preterm delivery
  • NICU admission
  • Pregnancy complications

SCRIPT® gives expecting mothers the support and tools they need to quit smoking safely during pregnancy and stay tobacco-free long term.

How SCRIPT® Works

  • Delivered by trained healthcare providers during prenatal visits
  • Based on behavioral counseling and motivational interviewing
  • Tailored to each woman’s needs and readiness to quit
  • Includes follow-up and support throughout the pregnancy

Real Results

In clinical trials, SCRIPT® participants had a 17.3% quit rate, compared to 8.8% for those receiving standard care. That means SCRIPT® nearly doubles the chance that a pregnant woman will successfully quit smoking during pregnancy.1

SCRIPT® counseling is reimbursable under Medicaid as part of prenatal tobacco cessation services mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If you are pregnant and enrolled in Medicaid, ask your provider if SCRIPT® is available.

Billing and Reimbursement 

SCRIPT® counseling aligns with Medicaid-covered prenatal tobacco cessation services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Providers may be able to bill for tobacco cessation counseling depending on state-specific Medicaid policy and provider qualifications. * 

Bringing SCRIPT® to Your Practice 

SCRIPT® can only be delivered by healthcare professionals who complete authorized training. If your practice does not offer SCRIPT®, explore SOPHE’s training options to begin implementing in your organization.

* Medicaid coverage and reimbursement policies for tobacco cessation services may differ by state and provider type. SCRIPT® is not a credentialing program. Providers should verify billing eligibility and requirements with their state Medicaid agency. 

Contact ed*******@***he.org to schedule live virtual trainings.

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