Bill > S159

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law to require the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to provide additional support services for families experiencing sudden unexpected pediatric death. Specifically, in cases of unexpected child death where an autopsy is legally required (excluding homicide, suicide, or deaths with an established cause), the medical examiner must help parents access services like genetic testing and bereavement support. For any undetermined death of a child three years old or younger, the medical examiner must refer the case to the Massachusetts Center for Unexpected Infant and Child Death at Boston Medical Center within three days of receiving the deceased child. These referrals will include cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sudden unexplained infant death, sudden unexpected death in childhood, and any child death that cannot be explained through standard autopsy and investigation. The goal of this bill is to provide comprehensive support and resources to families experiencing the traumatic loss of a young child under unexplained circumstances.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S159