Section 641.96.9. Foundling birth registration.

       96.9(1) The person assuming physical custody of a foundling shall, within one business day of finding the infant, contact the state registrar for specific directions and guidance for filing the certificate of live birth.

       96.9(2) Foundling 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 foundling, the custodian of the foundling 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 foundling registration;

        f.            Parentage information, if the parent is known;

        g.           A cover letter with supporting documentation; and

        h.           Any additional information known.

       96.9(3) The place where the child was found shall be entered as the place of birth and the date of birth shall be determined by approximation. The information provided on the official birth worksheet shall constitute the certificate of live birth.

       96.9(4) 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.

       96.9(5) Pursuant to Iowa Code section 144.14, if the child is properly identified after the registration, the certificate of live birth shall be reestablished as needed and all records pertaining to the foundling 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.

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