MS HB1537

Amends Mississippi's "Baby Drop-Off Law" to require licensed adoption agencies that receive relinquished infants to immediately transport the child to a hospital for physical examination and notify the Department of Child Protection Services.

Establishes a protocol where adoption agencies willing to place the child for adoption must take custody within 48 hours of hospital examination completion; agencies unable or unwilling to accept custody must notify the department within the same timeframe.

Requires the department to contact licensed adoption agencies on a rotating list within 8 hours to find an agency willing to take custody; if no agency accepts within 48 hours, the department assumes custody.

Makes the entity or person that ultimately takes custody of the child responsible for reimbursing the hospital for all medical and other costs incurred prior to placement.

Applies only to unharmed children 45 days of age or younger; children older than 45 days or showing signs of harm are transferred to department custody, which takes custody immediately.