Section 26-16-114 Investigations; Training; Protocol and Reporting Forms.

(a) An investigation shall be performed utilizing protocol and forms approved by the Alabama Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Investigation (SUIDI) Team in all incidents of infant deaths. (b) All law enforcement agencies within this state are responsible to ensure that all personnel who investigate infant deaths obtain training developed by the SUIDI Team on investigation protocol and completing reporting forms. (c) All elected and appointed coroners and deputy coroners are responsible for obtaining training on investigation protocol and completing reporting forms in cases of infant deaths. (d) The training, which shall be developed by the SUIDI Team, shall include a focus on the importance of being sensitive to the grief of family members and shall be consistent with the death scene investigation protocol approved by the SUIDI Team. (e) The Alabama Department of Public Health shall be responsible for developing a team of trainers to provide infant death investigation training to law enforcement personnel, as well as coroners and deputy coroners. (f) The Alabama Department of Public Health shall be responsible for disseminating infant death investigation protocol and reporting forms to the various law enforcement associations and the Alabama Coroner’s Association within the state which shall in turn disseminate the protocol and reporting forms to the respective law enforcement agencies and coroners in this state. (g) When changes occur in protocol pertaining to SUID investigations, the Alabama Department of Public Health shall promptly notify various law enforcement associations and the Alabama Coroner’s Association within the state. The changes shall then be communicated in a timely manner to the respective law enforcement agencies and coroners for dissemination to their enforcement personnel.