HB 4942

Abstract

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that, if a drug overdose is determined to be the cause or a contributing factor in a death, the coroner or medical examiner shall report the following information, at a minimum, to the Department of Public Health: (i) if known or knowable (rather than if possible), the cause of the overdose; (ii) whether or not fentanyl was part or all of the consumed substance; (iii) if fentanyl is part of the consumed substance, what other substances were consumed, if known or knowable; and (iv) if fentanyl is part of the consumed substance, in what proportion was fentanyl consumed to other substance or substances, if known or knowable. Currently, the report only requires the coroner to report, if possible, the cause of the overdose. Provides that the coroner must also communicate whether there was a suspicious level of fentanyl in combination with other controlled substances present to all law enforcement agencies in whose jurisdiction the deceased's body was found within 24 hours after receipt of the toxicology results whether or not a cause of death has been determined. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that in every case in which a drug overdose is officially determined (rather than determined) to be the cause or a contributing factor in the death, the coroner or medical examiner shall report the death to the Department of Public Health. Requires the report to include, if possible, the cause of the overdose (rather than if known or knowable, the cause of the overdose). Provides that the coroner must also communicate whether there was a suspicious level of fentanyl in combination with other controlled substances present to all law enforcement agencies in whose jurisdiction the deceased's body was found in a prompt manner (rather than within 24 hours after receipt of the toxicology results whether or not a cause of death has been determined).