Sec.17b-27-1. Definitions

As used in sections 17b-27-1 through 17b-27-7, inclusive:

(1) "Acknowledgment of paternity" means the form prescribed by the Department of Public Health for the purpose of establishing the legal paternity of a child born to unmarried parents, as provided in subsection (a) of section 46b-172 of the Connecticut General Statutes. The acknowledgment of paternity includes the affirmation of paternity, the waiver, and the notice of rights and responsibilities.

(2) "Affirmation of paternity" means the signed and sworn portion of the acknowledgment of paternity in which the mother names the biological father of her child and consents to such acknowledgment of paternity.

(3) "Birthing institution" means a hospital that has an obstetric care unit or provides obstetric services, or a birthing center associated with a hospital.

(4) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Social Services, a designee, or authorized representative.

(5) "Department" means the Department of Social Services or any bureau, division, or agency of the Department of Social Services.

(6) "Notice of rights and responsibilities" means the portion of the acknowledgment of paternity that contains the written notice to the mother and the putative father of the alternatives to, the legal consequences of, and the rights and responsibilities that arise from signing such acknowledgment, including the right to rescind the acknowledgment, as required by subdivision (a) (1) of Section 46b-172 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(7) "Protocol" means the standards and procedures established by a birthing institution to comply with Sections 17b-27-1 to 17b-27-7, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(8) "Waiver" means the portion of the acknowledgment of paternity that is signed and sworn to by the putative father wherein such father voluntarily acknowledges that he is the biological father of the child, accepts the obligation to support such child, and waives his rights to a trial, a lawyer to represent him, and a genetic test to determine paternity.

(Effective August 21, 1995; Amended June 8, 1998)