Section 641.96.10. Newborn safe haven registration.

       96.10(1) Newborn safe haven registration procedures shall apply to living infants who have been abandoned or left at an institutional health facility.

       96.10(2) The person assuming physical custody of the living infant pursuant to Iowa Code section 233.2(2)“a” shall, within one business day of assuming custody, contact the state registrar for specific directions and guidance for registering the birth.

       96.10(3) If the name of the parent is unknown, newborn safe haven registration shall be completed in the standard manner by the state registrar pursuant to Iowa Code section 144.14. Within five days after assuming physical custody of the infant, the custodian shall provide on the official birth worksheet the following minimum birth data and other data required by the state registrar:

        a.           The date when and the place where the child was found;

        b.           The sex, color or race, and approximate age of the child;

        c.           The name and address of the person or institution that has assumed physical custody of the child;

        d.           The name given to the child by the custodian;

        e.           The name, title, and license number, if any, of the person acting as the certifier to the facts of the newborn safe haven registration;

        f.            A cover letter with supporting documentation; and

        g.           Any additional information known.

       96.10(4) If the name of the parent is disclosed to the institutional health facility, the facility shall file the certificate of live birth as required pursuant to Iowa Code sections 144.13 and 233.2(2)“c.”

      96.10(5) Pursuant to Iowa Code section 144.14, if the child is properly identified after the newborn safe haven registration, the birth record shall be reestablished as needed and all records pertaining to the newborn safe haven registration shall be sealed along with the original supporting documentation, which shall be opened only by order of a court of competent jurisdiction or for vital records administrative purposes.

       96.10(6) The record shall be on file only at the state registrar’s office, and all supporting documentation shall be placed in a sealed file which shall be opened only by order of a court of competent jurisdiction or for vital records administrative purposes. The confidentiality of the live birth certificate shall be maintained pursuant to Iowa Code sections 233.2(2)“c” and 144.43.

[ARC 0483C, IAB 12/12/12, effective 1/16/13; see Delay note at end of chapter]