The bill 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. It mandates that if a toxicology examination reveals a controlled substance in lethal amounts, 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, provided that the toxicology results and autopsy findings support this classification.

The changes aim to improve the accuracy of death certificates by ensuring that they reflect the specific circumstances surrounding drug-related fatalities. The new provisions will apply to deaths occurring on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislative update seeks to address the growing concern over substance-related deaths and enhance public health data collection.

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