Maine § 4018. - Abandoned child; safe haven provider
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 4018. — Abandoned child; safe haven provider, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4018.. Abandoned child; safe haven provider
1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Medical services provider" means an individual certified, registered or licensed in the healing arts, including, but not limited to, a physician, nurse, podiatrist, optometrist, chiropractor, physical therapist, dentist, psychologist, physician associate or emergency medical services person. [RR 2025, c. 1, Pt. B, §5 (COR).]
A-1. "Safe haven baby box" means a device or container to safely accept delivery of a child less than 31 days of age that is:
(2) Physically located inside a hospital, law enforcement facility or fire department facility that is staffed 24 hours a day by a medical services provider;
(3) Located in an area that is conspicuous and visible to the employees of the hospital, law enforcement agency or fire department; and
(4) In compliance with requirements adopted by rule by the department, including, but not limited to, a requirement that the device or container be equipped with an alarm that notifies the hospital, law enforcement agency or fire department where the device or container is located and a public safety answering point as defined in Title 25, section 2921, subsection 7 when a child is placed in the device or container. [PL 2021, c. 466, §2 (NEW).]
B. "Safe haven provider" means:
(2) Staff at a medical emergency room;
(3) A medical services provider;
(4) A hospital staff member at a hospital;
(5) A firefighter; or
(6) A person staffing a facility with a safe haven baby box. [PL 2021, c. 466, §3 (AMD).]
2. Request for information. A person who voluntarily delivers a child less than 31 days of age to a safe haven provider and who does not express an intent to return for the child may be requested to provide information helpful to the welfare of the child. The person who accepts a child under this section may not detain the person delivering the child to obtain information.
3. Action by safe haven provider; guidelines. A safe haven provider who accepts a child under this section shall promptly notify the department of the delivery of the child, transfer the child to the department at the earliest opportunity and provide to the department all information provided by the person delivering the child to the safe haven provider. The department shall establish guidelines to assist safe haven providers concerning procedures when a child is delivered to a safe haven provider under this section.
4. Confidentiality. All personally identifiable information provided by the person delivering the child to a safe haven provider is confidential and may not be disclosed by the safe haven provider to anyone except to the extent necessary to provide temporary custody of the child until the child is transferred to the department and except as otherwise provided by court order. All health care or other information obtained by a safe haven provider in providing temporary custody of the child may also be provided to the department upon request.
5. Liability. A person or entity who accepts a child under this section or provides temporary custody of a child accepted under this section is not subject to civil, criminal or administrative liability for accepting the child or providing temporary custody of the child in the good faith belief that the action is required or authorized by this section. This subsection does not affect liability for personal injury or wrongful death, including, but not limited to, injury resulting from medical malpractice.
6. Rules. The department shall adopt rules to ensure the safe design, installation and use of each safe haven baby box before it may be put into service by a hospital, law enforcement agency or fire department. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules for the purposes of Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 4018.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 4018. cover?
Section 4018. ("Abandoned child; safe haven provider") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 4018.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 4018." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 4018. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.