Sec. 07.07.13.02. Voluntary Parentage Acknowledgement Program

A. The Administration shall maintain and monitor a parentage acknowledgement program in cooperation with:

(1) Hospitals;

(2) The Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records (MDH/DVR); and

(3) Other participating entities as designated by the Administration.

B. The program shall provide unmarried parents an opportunity to voluntarily acknowledge parentage of a child by providing:

(1) Written material about establishment of parentage;

(2) A standardized affidavit of parentage form;

(3) Oral and written notice of the legal consequences and the rights and responsibilities of acknowledging parentage; and

(4) The opportunity to speak with individuals employed by participating entities who are trained to clarify information and answer questions aboutestablishment of parentage.