(a) Inquiry.--An investigation conducted by a coroner in this Commonwealth shall include an inquiry to determine whether the death of the deceased individual was a direct result of a seizure or epilepsy.
(b) Duties of coroner.--If the findings of the investigation under subsection (a) are consistent with SUDEP or suspected SUDEP, the coroner shall:
(1) Cause to be indicated on the death certificate of the deceased individual that SUDEP is the cause or suspected cause of death, when appropriate.
(2) Provide the next of kin contact information for a third-party entity that documents and analyzes SUDEP deaths in order to reveal SUDEP risk factors and causes.
(c) Applicability.--This section shall apply to counties of the first class, second class, second class A, third class, fourth class, fifth class, sixth class, seventh class and eighth class.
(d) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "sudden unexpected death in epilepsy" or "SUDEP" shall refer to a death in a patient previously diagnosed with epilepsy that is not due to trauma, drowning, status epilepticus or other known structural causes. A finding of SUDEP is definite when clinical criteria are met and an autopsy reveals no alternative cause of death, including stroke, myocardial infarction or drug intoxication.
(Oct. 8, 2026, P.L.558, No.55, eff. 60 days)
2026 Amendment. Act 55 added section 13921.1.