This bill amends West Virginia Code §49-4-201 to allow 911 call centers and ambulance stations that are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to serve as designated drop-off locations for newborn safety devices. The county commission can designate these facilities as safe-surrender sites, enabling them to install and operate newborn safety devices in accordance with the law. The bill also clarifies that hospitals, health care facilities, fire departments, 911 centers, and ambulance stations that accept possession of a child under this article must take necessary actions to protect the child's health and safety while respecting the anonymity of the person relinquishing the child.

Additionally, the bill defines "newborn safety device" and outlines the requirements for these devices, including alarm systems and their location. It ensures that individuals who relinquish a child through these devices can remain anonymous and are not pursued legally, while also providing immunity from liability for emergency medical services providers acting in good faith. The bill emphasizes that the provisions do not apply if there are indicators of child abuse or neglect present.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-4-201