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April 16, 2026 Rain | 62°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bill S.159 194th (Current)

An Act relative to supporting families dealing with sudden unexplained death in pediatrics

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 159) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to supporting families dealing with sudden unexplained death in pediatrics. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Bill Information

Presenter:
Joan B. Lovely

• In cases of sudden unexpected death of a pediatric when autopsy is required by law, the office of the chief medical examiner will provide services for the parents including, but not limited to, genetic testing and bereavement support.
• The office of the chief medical examiner will refer any undetermined death of a child three years of age or younger to the Massachusetts center for unexpected infant and child death at Boston Medical Center for counseling and grief support.
o Referrals will be made to cases of sudden pediatric death or any sudden pediatric death unexplained by standard autopsy and investigation.
• This legislation does not apply to cases of homicide, suicide or established cause.

* The bill summary was created by the Primary Sponsor of the bill; no committee of the General Court certifies the accuracy of its contents.

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