2014 Kentucky Revised Statutes CHAPTER 216B - LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF HEALTH FACILITIES AND SERVICES 216B.190 Newborn infant -- Treatment when identity of parents is unknown -- Immunity from liability -- Anonymity of person leaving infant -- Emergency custody order -- Materials for health and medical information.
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216B.190 Newborn infant -- Treatment when identity of parents is unknown -Immunity from liability -- Anonymity of person leaving infant -Emergency custody order -- Materials for health and medical information.
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As used in this section, "newborn infant" means an infant who is medically
determined to be less than seventy-two (72) hours old.
Every hospital of this state that offers emergency services shall admit and
provide all necessary medical care, diagnostic tests, and medical treatment to
any newborn infant brought to the hospital when the identity of the parents is
unknown. Any person performing medical care, diagnostic testing, or medical
treatment shall be immune from criminal or civil liability for having performed
the act. Nothing in this subsection shall limit liability for negligence.
Any person or parent, other than an emergency medical services provider, a
police officer, or a firefighter acting in the course of his or her official duties,
who leaves a newborn infant at an emergency room, or brings a newborn infant
to an emergency room and expresses an intent to leave the infant and not
return, shall have the right to remain anonymous and to leave at any time, and
shall not be pursued or followed. The physician shall consider these actions as
implied consent for treatment.
Upon admittance, the physician or hospital administrator shall immediately
contact the local office of the Department for Community Based Services. The
Department for Community Based Services shall immediately seek an
emergency custody order in accordance with KRS 620.350.
Every emergency room shall make available materials to gather health and
medical information concerning the infant and the parents. The materials shall
be offered to the person leaving the newborn infant and it shall be clearly
stated that acceptance is completely voluntary and completion of the materials
may be done anonymously.
The provisions of subsection (3) of this section shall not apply when indicators
of child physical abuse or child neglect are present.
Effective:April 9, 2002
History: Created 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 303, sec. 3, effective April 9, 2002.
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