LAC 48:V.2503. Program Services

A. The following procedures have been established to accomplish these goals. 1. Within 48 hours of notification by the Coroner's Office (or any concerned individual) that a SIDS death has occurred, the health unit; i.e., public health nurse, contacts the family to arrange a home visit; when notification is by any individual other than the coroner or his/her representative, confirmation of diagnosis is made by the public health nurse from the coroner's office. 2. Within 10 days a visit is made by the public health nurse. Information as described on the "Initial Case Report" form is obtained while clarifying to the parent's the current knowledge about SIDS. Written materials in this regard are also supplied to the parents. Referrals are made as need is detected; 3. This completed report is sent to medical social services in OPPHS central registry on SIDS cases. 4. A copy of this report is sent to the regional medical social worker who visits the family four weeks later to provide professional assessment of the psychosocial status of the family, and counseling and/or referral that is needed. Subsequent visits may be arranged. 5. A written report of this activity is completed and sent to OPPHS central office for files. 6. Death certificates are matched with these reports; autopsy reports or death certificates are requested whenever they have not been previously received.