An Act to amend 48.195 (1b) (b), 48.195 (1m) (b), 48.195 (1r) (a) (intro.), 1., 2., 5. and 6., 48.195 (1r) (b) and 48.195 (2) (b); to create 48.195 (1b) (ag) of the statutes; Relating to: installation of a newborn infant safety device at an emergency medical services station.
Impact
The introduction of SB1073 is significant as it expands the facilities that can provide immediate and safe options for parents wishing to relinquish their newborns, thus potentially increasing the number of safe handovers as stipulated by the state's 'safe haven law'. By allowing emergency medical services to install these devices, the bill aims to decrease the likelihood of unsafe abandonments, thereby promoting infant safety and well-being. This alteration in state law reflects an acknowledgment of the critical role that emergency medical services play in community safety.
Summary
Senate Bill 1073 aims to amend current legislation regarding the installation of newborn infant safety devices, allowing for their installation at emergency medical services stations in addition to hospitals, fire stations, and law enforcement agencies. This modification recognizes the role of emergency medical services in the support of families wishing to safely relinquish custody of newborns. The bill adds a definition for 'emergency medical services station' and establishes the necessary conditions for these devices to be installed, ensuring they are staffed 24/7 by qualified personnel and equipped with surveillance features.
Contention
Some points of contention may arise regarding the implications of expanding the definition of authorized locations for installing these safety devices, including concerns about maintaining adequate monitoring and support at previously unregulated locations. Critics may argue that while the intention is to enhance safety, the introduction of new entities into this system needs careful regulation to ensure standards are upheld. Additionally, the enforcement of conditions such as 24-hour staffing and surveillance could pose operational challenges for some emergency medical services stations.
Crossfiled
An Act to amend 48.195 (1b) (b), 48.195 (1m) (b), 48.195 (1r) (a) (intro.), 1., 2., 5. and 6., 48.195 (1r) (b) and 48.195 (2) (b); to create 48.195 (1b) (ag) of the statutes; Relating to: installation of a newborn infant safety device at an emergency medical services station.
Children: protection; safe delivery of newborns law; modify definition of newborn and allow surrender to a newborn safety device. Amends secs. 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 17 & 20, ch. XII of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 712.1 et seq.) & adds sec. 3a to ch. XII.
A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-3802, 51.5-148, 63.2-1605, and 63.2-1606 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 5 of Chapter 14 of Title 51.5 sections numbered 51.5-148.1 and 51.5-148.2 and by adding sections numbered 63.2-1605.1, 63.2-1605.2, and 63.2-1605.3, relating to adult protective services; adult abuse, neglect and exploitation central registry.
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 63.2-100, 63.2-203, and 63.2-1501 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding sections numbered 63.2-203.1 and 63.2-319.1, relating to Department of Social Services; corrective action plans and assumption of temporary control of local boards and local departments.