Virginia House Bill HB392

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

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

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of HB 392 is expected to enhance the understanding and tracking of SUDEP cases in Virginia. By formalizing the reporting process, the bill aims to create a more comprehensive database that could contribute to better awareness and research regarding epilepsy-related deaths. This also establishes a new protocol for how medical examiners handle SUDEP cases, which may lead to more deaths being recorded accurately and potentially improve overall public health responses to epilepsy management.

Summary

House Bill 392 introduces a new section to the Code of Virginia focusing on the investigation of deaths resulting from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The bill mandates that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner must notify the North American SUDEP Registry of such deaths within 30 days. Additionally, it requires that information regarding the benefits of submitting medical information to the registry be provided to the next of kin, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making for families affected by these tragedies.

Contention

While the bill appears to be straightforward in its intent, some concerns may arise regarding the training requirements for medical professionals. The Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia is tasked with developing training programs for medical examiners, ensuring they are appropriately equipped to identify and report SUDEP cases accurately. However, there may be discussions surrounding the adequacy of this training and its importance for ensuring the quality of investigations into such sensitive cases.