# Health - General (GHG)

## Title 4. Statistics and Records

### Subtitle 2. Vital Statistics and Records

#### Section 4-209

(a)

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

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

(d) 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.

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Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)