The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding safe haven providers, specifically allowing a parent or their agent to surrender a newborn infant at a general or rural hospital immediately after birth without the requirement to leave and return to the hospital. This change is significant as it streamlines the surrender process, ensuring that parents can surrender their infants without the added burden of hospital discharge and re-entry. The bill also clarifies that hospitals must take custody of the newborn if notified by the parent of their intent to surrender.

Additionally, the bill modifies reporting requirements for the Department of Health Services (DHS) to include the number of newborns surrendered at safe haven providers. It also makes conforming changes to existing language, ensuring that the protocols apply only to unharmed newborns aged thirty days or younger. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the safe haven process while ensuring compliance with state and federal laws regarding the adoption and placement of children.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-528, 13-3623.01, 8-126, 36-405, 36-3201