An Act relative to education and prevention of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and other related epilepsy mortalities
Generates a plain-language summary of the bill text and history.
| Committee | Recommendation | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| J16 | Accompanied | 1 entries |
Section 4G of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:- The department shall develop informational resources on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy or “SUDEP” and other epilepsy-related mortalities to provide to epilepsy patients, their families and health care providers. The information shall include, but not be limited to: (i) current and evidence-based information about SUDEP and other epilepsy-related mortality risk factors; (ii) contact information for non-profit organizations that provide support services for patients with epilepsy conditions; and (iii) information on mitigating the risks of SUDEP and other epilepsy-related mortalities. The department shall make the informational resources available on its website in a manner that is easily accessible to patients, families and health care providers.
Not later than 1 year following the passage of this act, the department of public health shall submit to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate and the joint committee on public health a report including a summary of relevant metrics, which shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the information gathered for the informational resources; (ii) its efforts to provide this information to patients, families and health care providers; (iii) the effects of the informational resources on patient outcomes; and (iv) obstacles encountered in disseminating informational resources. The department shall incorporate public input in the development of the report.
The department of public health shall conduct a statewide campaign to raise public awareness about SUDEP and other epilepsy-related mortalities.
SECTION 1. Section 4G of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:- The department shall develop informational resources on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy or “SUDEP” and other epilepsy-related mortalities to provide to epilepsy patients, their families and health care providers. The information shall include, but not be limited to: (i) current and evidence-based information about SUDEP and other epilepsy-related mortality risk factors; (ii) contact information for non-profit organizations that provide support services for patients with epilepsy conditions; and (iii) information on mitigating the risks of SUDEP and other epilepsy-related mortalities. The department shall make the informational resources available on its website in a manner that is easily accessible to patients, families and health care providers. SECTION 2. Not later than 1 year following the passage of this act, the department of public health shall submit to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate and the joint committee on public health a report including a summary of relevant metrics, which shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the information gathered for the informational resources; (ii) its efforts to provide this information to patients, families and health care providers; (iii) the effects of the informational resources on patient outcomes; and (iv) obstacles encountered in disseminating informational resources. The department shall incorporate public input in the development of the report. SECTION 3. The department of public health shall conduct a statewide campaign to raise public awareness about SUDEP and other epilepsy-related mortalities.