SB 534
Requires coroners or medical examiners to perform certain testing on individuals who commit suicide and report the findings to the Department of Health and Senior Services
Sponsor:
LR Number:
1117S.01I
Last Action:
3/3/2009 - Second Read and Referred S Health, Mental Health, Seniors and Families Committee
Journal Page:
S448
Title:
Calendar Position:
Effective Date:
August 28, 2009

Current Bill Summary

SB 534 - If any person dies as a result of suicide, the coroner or medical examiner shall report the death and circumstances of the suicide to the Department of Health and Senior Services in writing. The description of the circumstances of the suicide shall include any information provided by law enforcement regarding any violent acts alleged to have been committed by the person immediately prior to his or her death. Such report shall be made within five days of the conclusion of the required testing.

The coroner or medical examiner shall perform, or cause to be performed, necessary tests to determine the presence of psychotropic substances in the blood of the deceased. The results of such tests shall be included in the report to the department. The contents of the report, including any test results, shall be used by the department for statistical purposes only and the department shall not reveal the identity of the deceased.

The department shall provide an annual report to the governor compiling the information received from coroners and medical examiners throughout the state. The department shall make such report available to the public and forward it to the United State Food and Drug Administration.

SUSAN HENDERSON MOORE

Amendments