The bill amends the Revised Code to address issues related to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and the inclusion of individuals with epilepsy in the Disability Database. Key provisions require coroners and pathologists to investigate and report SUDEP cases during autopsies of individuals with a history of epilepsy. Health care practitioners are mandated to educate and counsel patients about SUDEP risks. The bill also establishes a framework for the director of health to develop educational programs and outreach initiatives regarding SUDEP. Additionally, it allows individuals with epilepsy to voluntarily enroll in the Disability Database and receive an epilepsy designation on their driver's licenses or state IDs, ensuring equal health coverage for seizure detection devices deemed medically necessary.

Moreover, the bill introduces amendments to identification cards and driver's licenses, allowing for the indication of epilepsy and a unique symbol for this condition. It requires documentation for individuals wishing to indicate their veteran status on their identification. The bill also establishes Medicaid coverage for seizure detection devices, ensuring that costs are fully covered if deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider. The Department of Medicaid will conduct biennial reviews of covered devices to include the latest FDA-approved technologies. Several existing sections of the Revised Code are repealed to streamline the legal framework surrounding these provisions.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3304.23, 4507.06, 4507.13, 4507.51, 4507.52