Downloads
CS/SB 56 — Infant Death
by Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee and Senator Hays
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Health Policy Committee (HP)
The bill replaces the concept of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) with Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID). SUID is defined as the sudden, unexpected death of an infant under 1 year of age which remains unexplained after a complete autopsy, death-scene investigation, and review of case history. Accordingly, training requirements for first responders and protocols for medical examiners are revised to show this change in emphasis. The modifications also reflect the current practices of medical examiners and coroners in the identification of the SUID classification for infant death. SIDS remains a component of SUID.
The bill requires the Department of Health to include the child protection teams within the Division of Children’s Medical Services in the development of the rule for law enforcement investigations of sudden infant deaths. The bill further requires that the curriculum be based on the federal Centers for Disease Control SUID Initiative.
The bill also deletes the Department of Health’s responsibility to coordinate the SIDS hotline and other liaison activities were re-focused from the local alliance to the Florida SIDS Alliance.
The bill requires hospitals with birthing centers to provide information to patients on safe sleep practices for infants and the causes of SUID as part of postpartum care.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2013.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 115-0