House of Representatives

SB 1105

sudden infant death syndrome; protocols

Sponsors: Senator Hartley and Representative Foster

DP	Committee on Health
X	Committee on Judiciary
	Caucus and COW
	As Passed the House

SB 1105 requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to establish protocols for first responders, law enforcement agencies and social service agencies to follow when investigating the apparent natural death of an infant.

History

According to the Arizona Sudden Infant Death Advisory Council, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a medical disorder which claims the lives of approximately 73 babies between one week to one year of age in Arizona each year. The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Alliance defines a SIDS death as an infant death that remains unexplained after all known causes have been ruled out through autopsy, death scene investigation and medical history. SIDS affects families of all races, religions, and income levels. Studies from around the world have been able to identify factors commonly associated with SIDS, such as passive smoke exposure, stomach sleeping, and soft bedding.

In June 1996, the Interagency Panel on SIDS published guidelines for death scene investigation that include model protocol and a data form for collection of information by medical examiners, coroners, death team investigators, and police officers. DHS has developed a checklist and made it available for law enforcement officers to use when investigating an infant death. Currently there is no statewide requirement for officers to use the checklist provided by DHS.

Provisions

· Adds one member to the Sudden Infant Death Advisory Council who is a prosecutor appointed by the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council and allows appointed members on the council to serve three-year terms.

· Requires the Sudden Infant Death Advisory Council to approve and periodically review the sudden infant death checklist developed by DHS.

· Requires DHS to develop protocols for death scene investigations to be followed by first responders, law enforcement officials and social service agencies. DHS must consider guidelines adopted by the National Sudden Infant Death Alliance and the National SIDS and Infant Death Program Support Center when developing these protocols. They must:

ú Recommend procedures for all responders to an apparent natural infant death to follow.

ú Recommend that the scene where the infant was found be examined.

ú Recommend that investigators keep in mind the need for compassion and sensitivity when dealing with the parents and caregivers of the infant, while determining the cause of death.

· Requires DHS to also create a checklist to be followed by law enforcement investigating an apparent natural infant death. DHS must consult with law enforcement officials and consider the guidelines promoted by the National Sudden Infant Death Alliance and the National SIDS and Infant Death Program in creating this checklist.

· Requires any law enforcement officer on duty to use the investigation checklist before the autopsy is performed. The officer's agency must keep the original and forward a copy to the county medical examiner and DHS. If an officer does not use the checklist, that does not become a defense or basis for dismissal of criminal charges.

· Requires the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board to provide training to officers that includes:

ú Medical training on unexplained infant death that includes awareness and sensitivity when dealing with families and childcare providers.

ú Protocol information on the investigation of an unexplained infant death .

ú Use of the checklist created by DHS.

ú The importance of good communication between the medical examiner, DHS and social service agencies to expedite the recovery for families.

· Makes technical clarifying changes to the Sudden Infant Death Advisory Council.

· Allows this act to be known as "Brandon's Law."

SB 1105 passed the Health Committee unamended.

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45th Legislature

First Regular Session 3 April 2, 2001

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