This bill modifies Minnesota’s Safe Place for Newborns law (Minnesota Statutes 145.902) to expand and clarify the locations and procedures for the safe relinquishment of newborn infants.

Key Amendments:

1. Expanded Definition of a Safe Place:

   • The bill clarifies that a newborn may be safely left at:
     • A licensed hospital.
     • A continuously staffed fire station.
     • A health care provider offering urgent care services.
     • A newborn safety device installed at an approved location.
     • A licensed ambulance service responding to a 911 call from the mother or a person with her permission.

2. Newborn Safety Device Requirements:

   • A safe place may have a newborn safety device, which:
     • Allows a parent to anonymously place a baby inside.
     • Permits emergency personnel to remove and take custody of the newborn.
     • Must have a dual alarm system, tested monthly and visually checked twice daily.
     • Must be approved by the FDA.
     • Must be installed in a staffed fire station or hospital.
     • Must be in a visible and conspicuous location.

3. Protections for Parents and Safe Places:

   • No inquiries: The safe place must not ask for the identity of the parent leaving the infant.
   • Legal immunity: Safe places and their employees (including doctors, ambulance personnel, and mandated reporters) are:
     • Immune from criminal and civil liability if acting in good faith.
     • Not required to report the newborn being left, unless there is harm involved.
   • No prosecution: A parent or person leaving a newborn cannot be prosecuted for doing so if they comply with this law.

4. Hospital and Emergency Procedures:

   • If a newborn is left at an urgent care facility, the facility must call 911 to transport the baby to a hospital.
   • If left with an ambulance, the ambulance crew must take the newborn to a hospital.
   • Hospitals must accept the newborn and follow reporting protocols.

Summary:

This bill strengthens Minnesota's Safe Place for Newborns law by expanding the options for safe infant relinquishment, particularly by allowing the use of newborn safety devices with strict security standards. It ensures anonymity for parents, increases legal protections for participating personnel, and standardizes emergency responses. The goal is to prevent abandonment and ensure the safe handoff of newborns to medical care.