§ 4-209. Foundling registration

   (a) Report. --

   (1) Within 72 hours after a person takes custody of a child of unknown parentage, the person shall prepare and file a report, on the form that the Secretary provides.

   (2) The report shall state:

      (i) The date and place of finding of the child;

      (ii) The sex, color or race, and approximate date of birth of the child, as determined by a physician;

      (iii) The name and address of the person with whom the child is placed for care;

      (iv) The name that the custodian gives the child; and

      (v) Any other information that the Secretary requires.

(b) Place of birth. -- The person shall enter the place where the child was found as the place of birth.

(c) Certificate of birth. -- A report under this section is the certificate of birth for the child.

(d) Later identification. -- If the child is identified and a certificate of birth is found or obtained, the report under this section:

   (1) Shall be sealed; and

   (2) May be reopened only:

      (i) On order of a court of competent jurisdiction;

      (ii) On written order of a designee of the Secretary; or

      (iii) As the rules and regulations of the Secretary provide.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 43, § 18; 1982, ch. 21, § 2.