Local governments would receive legal protection for newborn safety incubators

Local governments would receive protection from lawsuits, criminal charges, and administrative penalties for operating newborn safety incubators and accepting children under the safe surrender rules. These protections cover local governments. Incubators are medical devices that provide a suitable environment for newborns. The custody rules cover children reasonably believed to be no more than 90 days old. Protection for accepting a child requires the local government to act in good faith under the safe surrender rules. Protection does not cover acts or failures to act after accepting the child, including careless or intentional conduct.