Bill > HB1442

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to require coroners to investigate sudden unexpected deaths in people diagnosed with epilepsy, specifically addressing a condition known as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The bill mandates that when investigating a death of an individual with epilepsy, coroners must conduct an inquiry to determine if the death was directly related to a seizure or epilepsy. If the investigation finds evidence consistent with SUDEP, the coroner must note SUDEP as the cause or suspected cause of death on the death certificate and provide the next of kin with contact information for an entity that documents and analyzes SUDEP deaths. The bill defines SUDEP as a death in an epilepsy patient that is not caused by trauma, drowning, or other known structural causes, and can be definitively identified when clinical criteria are met and an autopsy reveals no alternative cause of death. This legislation will apply to counties of various classes across Pennsylvania and is designed to improve understanding and documentation of epilepsy-related deaths by ensuring a more thorough and standardized investigation process.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1442