Medical Records
Preparing Your Newborn’s Birth Certificate
In order to prepare your new baby’s birth certificate, a few forms need to be completed, depending on your marital status. Please fill out the forms completely, and notify your nurse when you are finished.
Please be aware that in most cases the birth certificate will usually be typed and ready to sign while you are still in the hospital–unless your baby is born around the weekend or a holiday. In that instance, you will be notified at home when the birth certificate is ready to be signed. It is very important that you come back to the hospital to sign the birth certificate within five days of the birth.
If you have any questions about the birth certificate during your hospital stay, you can call Bonnie at extension 3674 from the phone in your room (760) 499-3674) and she or another Medical Records staff member can assist you.
Married Parents
Birth Certificate Worksheet (please fill out all spaces, including the bottom half of the sheet)
2 Social Security Forms (one is a half sheet that is yours to keep, and the other is the form which allows a Social Security Number to be issued to the baby)
Race Identification Worksheet (this allows you to state up to three races on the birth certificate)
Unmarried Parents
Birth Certificate Worksheet (please fill out all spaces, including the bottom half of the sheet)
2 Social Security Forms (one is a half sheet that is yours to keep, and the other is the form which allows a Social Security Number to be issued to the baby)
Race Identification Worksheet (this allows you to state up to three races on the birth certificate)
Paternity Papers (POP) (These will come in a separate packet and are required by the state in order for the father’s name to appear on the Birth Certificate. If you did not receive the Paternity Papers with the other paperwork, ask your nurse for them.
VERY IMPORTANT: A nurse or Medical Records staff member must witness The Paternity Papers. The papers require signatures of both the mother and father. Please fill out all of the required information, but DO NOT SIGN until a nurse or medical records staff member is present to witness the signatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I order the baby’s birth certificate?
Download a form here to send to the Kern County Department of Public Health along with the Hospital Birth Certificate (para esta forma en español, haga clic aquí). Remember, the Hospital Birth Certificate is a Complimentary Copy, not a legal document. It is not accepted in place of the Certified Copy from Bakersfield. There are directions on the order form and the price to pay for your copy.
When will the baby’s Social Security Card arrive?
The baby’s Social Security Card should arrive at your home address within 8 to 12 weeks.
Who can sign POP papers?
Only an unmarried mother and the real father can sign POP papers. A mother who is still married to someone else cannot sign POP papers, and the baby’s father is not allowed to sign either. California law assumes that the mother’s husband is the baby’s father. For more information on POP, click on this link.
What last name can the baby have on the Birth Certificate?
The baby can have any last name the mother wishes. She cannot add the father’s name unless he signs POP papers claiming that he is the father and that he will support the baby.
How can I add the father’s name to the birth certificate?
Contact the Family Support Division Kern County to add the father’s name at (800) 980-2021 or (661) 868-2827.
-
News release, Jul 29, 2022 Ridgecrest Regional Hospital learned that our clinical partners at City of Hope are no longer able to their support the RRH ...
Continue Reading -
Remission Advice for Breast Cancer Patients It's been a long road, but you've finally reached the end of your breast cancer treatment: you've got ...
Continue Reading -
Raise your hand if you have overindulged in the sugar department lately. With the holidays behind us, many people are feeling that “new year” ...
Continue Reading -
Our Winter Connected magazine is out now! Inside this issue: Photo Highlights | Outreach Programs | Eating Healthy, Your Why-Being | Upcoming Events | ...
Continue Reading -
Cancer-Fighting Foods to Enjoy This Season It's no secret that what we eat can majorly impact our health. But did you know that certain foods can help ...
Continue Reading -
Today is World Diabetes Day and we wanted to highlight some of the technology advancements to help those with diabetes. Elena Ennis, Diabetes ...
Continue Reading -
Using Nutrient-Rich Foods to Your Advantage Are you looking to strengthen your immunity? Eating a well-balanced diet can help you stay healthy and ...
Continue Reading -
6 Common Pediatric Conditions Childhood is often seen as a time when people are more vulnerable to getting sick because children's immune systems are ...
Continue Reading -
Join us for 1 hour massage only $50 for new patients! In celebration of Massage Therapy Awareness Week the RRH Chiropractic Clinic (840 N. Norma, St # ...
Continue Reading -
The holidays are here, and so is the excitement for many people looking forward to spending more time with those they love. You may find that you are ...
Continue Reading
