Bill > HB376

This bill establishes a protocol for investigating deaths related to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which is defined as the unexplained death of a healthy individual with epilepsy that isn't due to other known causes like injury or drowning. Upon determining a death is consistent with SUDEP, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will provide a full report on the cause of death and, within 30 days, refer the case to an institution that will inform the deceased's next of kin about submitting the decedent's medical information, including their epilepsy and seizure history, to the North American SUDEP Registry. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will also publish information about SUDEP and a related investigation form on its website, and the Chief Medical Examiner and all assistant medical examiners will be required to complete one hour of training on investigating SUDEP every three years, with new medical examiners needing to complete it within 90 days of appointment, all of these duties being contingent on available public and private funding.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB376