Maine Revised Statutes Title 22. Health and Welfare § 2761-B. Hospital-based paternity acknowledgement

1. Birthing center. As used in this section, “birthing center” means a hospital or other facility that provides childbirth services.

2. Procedure. A birthing center shall provide an opportunity for all unmarried parents to complete a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity. A birthing center shall provide to each unmarried mother and alleged father, if present, written information about paternity establishment provided by the department, forms needed to voluntarily acknowledge paternity and the opportunity to speak with a person who is trained to clarify information and answer questions about paternity establishment. The birthing center shall forward all completed acknowledgement forms to the department.

3. Written information. The department shall develop an acknowledgement form and written information for use by birthing centers in carrying out the requirements of this section. The information must include a description of the benefits and responsibilities of paternity establishment. The information must include instructions on completing the acknowledgement form.

4. Technical assistance. The department shall provide birthing centers with training and technical assistance as needed to carry out the requirements of this section.

5. Reimbursement. The department may establish by rule a fee to reimburse birthing centers for each voluntary acknowledgement of paternity form completed.

6. Rulemaking. The department shall adopt rules to implement this section that comply with all applicable federal regulations.