News: Q&A about the abandoned infants law

June 11, 2002

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Q&A about the abandoned infants law

By JOHN HULTGREN
Kentucky EMS Connection

LOUISVILLE — The Kentucky EMS posed a few questions to the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children regarding the new abandoned infants law.

These answers were provided by Stephanie Brammer-Barnes, a policy analyst for the Department for Community Based Services, Cabinet for Families and Children.

The law mentions a background information form. How will fire and EMS obtain copies of this form? Is there a downloadable version?

CFC is currently in the process of drafting a medical questionnaire that will be given to a relinquishing parent as a way of obtaining background information.

You also stated that EMS providers will "make available to each parent information regarding family services, termination of parental rights, and adoption." How can EMS providers get the information they are supposed to provide?

We're also in the process of drafting an informational piece regarding adoption, family services, and termination of parental rights. And yes, this material will be downloadable.

If EMS receives the baby, are they supposed to immediately transport to the closest hospital? (If fire receives the baby, and they are not an ambulance service, are they supposed to call their local ambulance service for transport?) And has their been any discussion about who EMS is supposed to bill for the transport?

We are trying to secure a date for a meeting with our partner agencies. At the meeting, we will discuss each agency's questions/role in responding to abandoned infants and the draft material that will be distributed to relinquishing parents. Since the abandoned infants law is already effective, we're trying to schedule the meeting ASAP.

For more information about the new abandoned infants law, please read: Abandoned infants bill becomes law.

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