RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 398 (SB 414) 2024 Regular Session Bass
Prior law authorized the installation of a newborn safety device in a designated emergency
care facility that is physically located inside of a licensed hospital and has an emergency
department that is staffed 24 hours per day.
New law authorizes the installation of the device in any designated emergency care facility
that is manned continuously on a 24 hour basis, seven days a week, and 365 days a year by
an emergency response provider who is certified in neonatal resuscitation and pediatric
advanced life support.
Existing law provides that relinquishment of an infant is not a criminal act of neglect,
abandonment, cruelty, or a crime against the child.
New law adds that the relinquishment is not be subject to an investigation for abandonment.
Prior law required that each facility designate a representative who can be reached by
emergency telephone service or post instructions to contact "911" for a safe haven
relinquishment if outside of normal operating hours.
New law repeals the requirement.
New law requires that safe haven materials be available at the facility stocked in a envelope
conspicuous and readily available in the newborn safety device for the relinquishing parent.
Existing law requires the Dept. of Children and Family Services to perform certain
requirements upon notification that an infant has been relinquished.
New law adds a requirement for the department to contact the Missing and Exploited
Children Information Clearinghouse to determine if the child has been reported missing.
Effective August 1, 2024.
(Amends Ch.C. Arts. 1151(A)(1). (B), and (C), 1152(A)(1) and (2), (C)(3), and (G),
1154(A), and 1157(A)(1); repeals Ch.C. Arts. 1150(2)(e) and 1152(A)(3))