Baby Boxes/Newborn Safety Device.
What changed between versions
New section 7B-521A establishes newborn safety device requirements for qualified establishments, creating a new statutory framework for device installation.
Section 7B-521(b) was modified to include employees of qualified establishments with installed newborn safety devices as individuals who may take temporary custody of surrendered infants.
Qualified establishments are now defined to include fire departments and rescue/emergency medical services squads staffed 24 hours by emergency health care providers.
Emergency facilities providing emergency services (subsection 30(2)) were removed from the list of locations where devices may be installed.
New definition of 'safely surrendered infant' was added to Section 7B-101 to clarify the legal status of infants placed in newborn safety devices.
Alarm system testing frequency changed from monthly to weekly, and visual inspection requirements were added (at least twice per day).
Signage requirements now must include alternatives to using the newborn safety device and specific language about parental rights abandonment.
Installation costs must be covered through departmental funding or private donations rather than unspecified methods.
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