Bill Text: VA HB660 | 2018 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Death investigations; Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-02-13 - Left in Health, Welfare and Institutions [HB660 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HB660-Prefiled.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 32.1-283.7 as follows:
§32.1-283.7. Investigation of deaths involving Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy; protocol; information; training.
A. The Chief Medical Examiner shall develop protocols for the investigation of deaths of individuals with seizure disorders to ensure the proper identification of deaths resulting from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
B. In any case involving a finding of death resulting from SUDEP, within 30 days of such finding the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner shall notify the North American SUDEP Registry at the New York University Langone Medical Center that the death has occurred and shall provide to the next of kin of the deceased, if known, information regarding the benefits of and process for (i) submitting the deceased's medical information, including information about the deceased's history of epilepsy and seizures, to the North American SUDEP Registry and (ii) donating the deceased's blood, brain, and heart for the purpose of scientific study.
C. The Chief Medical Examiner shall develop, together with the Commissioner, training for medical examiners on SUDEP and the proper identification of deaths resulting from SUDEP and shall require every medical examiner appointed pursuant to §32.1-282 to receive such training annually.
