SB 26-77

Senate Bill 26-77, also known as the Epilepsy-Related Mortality Awareness Act, requires medical professionals who certify deaths in Colorado to stay updated on the latest recommendations for documenting epilepsy-related deaths. Starting July 1, 2027, these professionals must include epilepsy as a contributing or suspected cause of death if it fits the criteria for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The state’s Department of Public Health and Environment will notify all relevant medical certifiers about this requirement before June 1, 2027. This bill is now signed into law, meaning that these changes will be implemented as scheduled to improve awareness and documentation of epilepsy-related deaths.

Official Summary

The act requires that, beginning July 1, 2027, a death certification professional ensure that they are aware of the most recent epilepsy-related death certification recommendations from a nationally recognized and reputable organization. On or before June 1, 2027, the department of public health and environment (department) must electronically notify all registered medical certifier users of the Colorado vital events system of this requirement.     If a death certification professional determines that the cause of an individual's death is consistent with known or suspected sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, the act requires the professional to ensure that the individual's death certificate identifies epilepsy as a contributing cause or a suspected cause of death.     The act allows the department to provide online guidelines for clinicians and medical certifiers for death certificates regarding epilepsy-related deaths, including sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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