IC 31-33-11
    Chapter 11. Duty of Hospital Not to Release Child Who Is Subjectof Child Abuse or Neglect Report

IC 31-33-11-1
Conditions for release of child under investigation for abuse orneglect; expenses of extended hospital stay
    Sec. 1. (a) Whenever:
        (1) a child is subject to assessment by the department forreported child abuse or neglect;
        (2) the child is a patient in a hospital; and
        (3) the hospital has reported or has been informed of the reportand assessment;
the hospital may not release the child to the child's parent, guardian,custodian, or to a court approved placement until the hospitalreceives authorization or a copy of a court order from the departmentindicating that the child may be released to the child's parent,guardian, custodian, or court approved placement.
    (b) If the authorization that is granted under this section is verbal,the department shall send a letter to the hospital confirming that thedepartment has granted authorization for the child's release.
    (c) The individual or third party payor responsible financially forthe hospital stay of the child remains responsible for any extendedstay under this section. If no party is responsible for the extendedstay, the department shall pay the expenses of the extended hospitalstay.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.234-2005,SEC.133; P.L.131-2009, SEC.51.