Montana § 40-6-402 - Definitions
Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 40-6-402 — Definitions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-6-402. Definitions
Definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply: (1) "Child-placing agency" means an agency licensed under Title 52, chapter 8, part 1. (2) "Court" means a court of record in a competent jurisdiction and, in Montana, means a district court or a tribal court. (3) "Department" means the department of public health and human services provided for in 2-15-2201 . (4) "Emergency services provider" means: (a) a uniformed or otherwise identifiable employee of a fire department, hospital, or law enforcement agency when the individual is on duty inside the premises of the fire department, hospital, or law enforcement agency or is on duty responding to an emergency call; or (b) any law enforcement officer, as defined in 7-32-201 , who is in uniform or is otherwise identifiable. (5) "Fire department" means a governmental fire agency organized under Title 7, chapter 33. (6) "Gross negligence" means conduct so reckless as to demonstrate a substantial lack of concern for whether an injury results. (7) "Guardian ad litem" means a person appointed to represent a newborn under Title 41, chapter 3. (8) "Hospital" has the meaning provided in 50-5-101 and includes a rural emergency hospital. (9) "Law enforcement agency" means a police department, a sheriff's office, a detention center as defined in 7-32-2241 , or a correctional institution as defined in 45-2-101 . (10) "Newborn" means an infant who a physician reasonably believes to be no more than 30 days old. (11) "Newborn safety device" means a medical device that meets the following requirements: (a) provides a controlled environment for the care and protection of a newborn; (b) includes an adequate dual alarm system connected to the newborn safety device: (i) that is tested at least one time a month to ensure the alarm system is in working order; and (ii) that dispatches the nearest emergency services provider to retrieve a newborn placed in the device; (c) is physically located on an exterior structural wall of the premises of a fire department, hospital, or law enforcement agency that is staffed 24 hours a day, except that all emergency services providers located at the premises may be dispatched to an emergency; and (d) is located in an area that is conspicuous and visible to an emergency services provider. (12) (a) "Surrender" means to leave a newborn with an emergency services provider without expressing an intent to return for the newborn. (b) The term includes but is not limited to: (i) leaving a newborn in a newborn safety device; or (ii) placing an emergency call and remaining with a newborn until an emergency services provider arrives to accept the newborn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 40-6-402
What does Montana Code Annotated § 40-6-402 cover?
Section 40-6-402 ("Definitions") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. 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 Montana § 40-6-402?
A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 40-6-402" (Montana). 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 Montana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Montana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Montana attorney.
How does Montana § 40-6-402 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Montana 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 Montana.