ND HB1042

Replaces the term "unexplained sudden infant death syndrome" with "unexplained sudden infant or child death with or without intrinsic or extrinsic factors, or both" throughout North Dakota Century Code sections 11-19.1-11, 11-19.1-13, and 11-19.1-16

Requires coroner or coroner's medical deputy to take custody of a minor's body and arrange for autopsy by state forensic examiner when death is suspected to be unexplained sudden death, unless all parties including parents and coroner agree autopsy is unnecessary

Specifies that "unexplained sudden infant or child death with or without intrinsic or extrinsic factors, or both" may be entered on death certificate as principal cause of death only if child is under one year old and death remains unexplained after complete autopsy at state expense, death scene examination, and clinical history review

Directs Department of Health and Human Services to audit and certify coroner and pathologist claims for autopsy expenses in cases of suspected unexplained sudden infant or child death for payment by state treasurer

Passed House 88-2-4 absent and Senate 47-0-0 absent