Mississippi House Bill HB653

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Autopsies; create "Jenna's Law" to require autopsies to include inquiry about whether death was a result of seizure or epilepsy.

Impact

This legislation aims to enhance the understanding of epilepsy-related deaths by ensuring that SUDEP cases are accurately reported and tracked. By mandating such inquiries and reporting, Justin's Law seeks to gather vital statistical data that could inform public health responses and improve awareness regarding epilepsy-related fatalities. This in turn could lead to more informed policies and educational efforts surrounding seizure disorders.

Summary

House Bill 653, known as 'Jenna's Law', introduces significant changes to the procedure of autopsies conducted in Mississippi. The key requirement of this bill mandates that all autopsies include an inquiry into whether a death was a direct result of a seizure or epilepsy. If the findings are consistent with known or suspected sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), this must be indicated on the death certificate. Furthermore, the medical examiner or coroner is required to send a copy of the death certificate to the North American SUDEP Registry within thirty days of the autopsy.

Contention

While the bill has considerable support for its objective of improving reporting on epilepsy-related deaths, some concerns may arise regarding the implications for medical examiners and coroners. They may require additional training and resources to effectively implement these procedures, which might raise questions about logistics and funding. Additionally, the broader implications for how epilepsy is viewed within the medical community and public could generate discussions on support and resources for individuals affected by this condition.