Authority: IC 31-27-2-4

Affected: IC 31-27-4; IC 31-28-3

Sec. 19. (a) The foster parents shall do the following:

1. (1) Cooperate with the department and CPA in providing proper:

   1. (A) physical;
   2. (B) mental;
   3. (C) dental;
   4. (D) visual;
   5. (E) auditory; and
   6. (F) developmental;
2. care for the child.
3. (2) Assist the department in using Medicaid eligible providers for Medicaid eligible services on Medicaid eligible children.
4. (3) Keep the department informed of any health needs of the child.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), the foster parents shall schedule an appointment for a time within ten (10) days of admission to the foster family home to have the child examined by a physician and follow all recommendations, with follow-up exams as recommended by the schedule set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The initial exam must consist of early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment (EPSDT) services, known in Indiana as HealthWatch. The exam will include screens for physical, dental, visual, auditory, and developmental health.

(c) An initial exam is not mandatory, if the child:

1. (1) was placed directly from a hospital or physician's office; or
2. (2) had a documented medical examination within thirty (30) days prior to placement, as part of a child abuse or neglect assessment and is exhibiting no signs of illness or new injuries.

Foster parents shall confer with the department prior to the initial examination to determine if the child has already been examined.

(d) The foster parents shall have the child examined by a dentist within six (6) months of the child's last known exam and cleaning. If no records exist, the child will receive an initial exam and cleaning within ninety (90) days of placement. Follow-up exams and cleanings are required every six (6) months. Foster parents shall confer with the department prior to the initial examination by a dentist to determine if the child has already been examined.

(e) The foster parents shall keep a log of all prescription medications administered to a child.

(f) No prescription medication shall be administered to a child without orders from a licensed medical professional. Medication for the child shall be dispensed in accordance with the physician's instructions subject to the limitations in subsection (g).

(g) Foster parents administering psychotropic medication must have received:

1. (1) any consents required by the department prior to giving the medication; and
2. (2) instructions regarding the administering of the medication and its possible side effects, in writing, from either the prescribing physician or the pharmacist.

(h) Prescription medication must be kept in the original container labeled with the:

1. (1) child's name;
2. (2) date;
3. (3) instructions; and
4. (4) physician's name.

(i) In an emergency, the foster parents shall:

1. (1) make arrangements for emergency care at a nearby hospital, clinic, or doctor's office; and
2. (2) as soon as possible thereafter, notify the department.

(j) The foster parents shall maintain a medical passport, in accordance with IC 31-28-3, on each child placed in the foster family home. The department will provide the medical passport to the foster parents.

(Department of Child Services; 465 IAC 2-1.5-19; filed Apr 18, 2011, 11:31 a.m.: 20110518-IR-465100349FRA; readopted filed Nov 26, 2013, 4:02 p.m.: 20131225-IR-465130459RFA; readopted filed Oct 10, 2019, 10:42 a.m.: 20191106-IR-465190320RFA; readopted filed Oct 15, 2025, 10:46 a.m.: 20251112-IR-465250623RFA)