The bill, H.B. No. 2845, amends Section 193.005(e-1) of the Health and Safety Code to enhance the medical certification requirements on death certificates related to controlled substance overdoses. The new language mandates that if a toxicology examination reveals a controlled substance in the decedent's body that is lethal, the death certificate must include either "Fentanyl Poisoning" or "Fentanyl Toxicity" if the substance is from Penalty Group 1-B. Additionally, it introduces the term "Controlled Substance Overdose" for cases involving other controlled substances, requiring the type of substance to be specified if ascertainable.

The bill also stipulates that the changes will apply only to deaths occurring on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, or to deaths that are discovered on or after that date. This legislative update aims to provide clearer documentation and understanding of the causes of death related to substance overdoses, thereby improving public health data and response strategies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()