NYS Department of Health Develops Provider and Patient Information on Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy
The New York State Department of Health has developed information on its website on Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The development of this information was the result of legislation that was passed in November 2022 by the New York State Legislature. The Medical Society of the State of New York and its physicians worked with the state on developing this information along with representatives from various hospitals and epilepsy organizations.
SUDEP stands for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. It’s the term used when a person with epilepsy dies without warning signs and no cause of death can be found. People with epilepsy and their families should know what SUDEP is and ways to reduce the risk of SUDEP. The New York State law, effective November 15, 2022, requires physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants to educate patients about SUDEP if:
- the patient has been diagnosed with epilepsy and is at high risk of SUDEP, and
- the provider has primary responsibility for the treatment and care of that patient for epilepsy
The patient and provider fact sheets, and updated website text have been added to the DOH epilepsy webpage and can be found here:
https://health.ny.gov/diseases/conditions/epilepsy/index.htm.
