Virginia House Bill HB392

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP); investigation of deaths.

Impact

This legislation will amend the Code of Virginia by adding a dedicated section for SUDEP investigations. The measure seeks to standardize the handling of these specific cases to ensure accurate identification and documentation of SUDEP as a cause of death. Furthermore, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is tasked with publishing relevant SUDEP information and creating a death investigation form on its website, making it more accessible to medical professionals and families alike.

Summary

House Bill 392 aims to establish a protocol for the investigation of deaths resulting from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The bill defines SUDEP as the sudden and unexplained death of a healthy individual with epilepsy, excluding deaths caused by drowning, injury, or known causes. In the event of a SUDEP finding, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is mandated to notify the North American SUDEP Registry within 30 days and inform the next of kin regarding submission processes for the deceased's medical information, including seizure history.

Conclusion

The introduction of HB392 signifies a proactive stance towards improving awareness and understanding of SUDEP within the medical community, which may in turn enhance the care and support available to those affected by epilepsy. By establishing clear protocols and required training, the bill aims to promote better investigative practices, ultimately contributing to public health and safety.

Contention

A training program for medical examiners is also a focal point of HB392. The Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia is responsible for developing and implementing this program, which will ensure that medical examiners are adequately trained to recognize SUDEP cases. All medical examiners must complete this training every three years, and new appointees are required to do so within 90 days of their appointment. This could bolster the quality of investigations into SUDEP by equipping examiners with the knowledge needed to identify the condition correctly.