KRS 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.

(1) As used in this section:

(a) "Newborn infant" means an infant who is medically determined to be less than

thirty (30) days old.; and

(b) "Participating place of worship" has the same meaning as in KRS 405.075.

(2) Every hospital of this state that offers emergency services shall admit and provi de

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.

(3) Any person or parent, other than an emergency medical services provider, a police

officer, a firefighter, or a staff member a t a participating place of worship 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.

(4) Upon admittance, the physician or hospital administrator shall immediately contac t

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.

(5) Every emergency room shall make available materials to gath er 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.

(6) The provisions of subsection (3) of this section shall not apply when indicators of

child physical abuse or child neglect are present.