An Act To Create A Minimum Standard Of Pathology For Children Under 3 Years Of Age Who Die Of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Or An Unknown Cause

LD 1485 requires Maine's Chief Medical Examiner to preserve and retain tissue samples and evidence for children under three who die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or whose cause of death remains unknown, upon request by a parent or legal guardian. The evidence must be stored for one year after the child's death and made accessible to the parent or guardian. This applies specifically when a medical examiner has determined SIDS as the cause or cannot identify the cause of death. The bill directly affects parents and guardians seeking potential future clarification of a child's death cause.