The bill amends the law regarding death certificates in Arkansas, specifically clarifying which medical professionals are authorized to sign a medical certificate of death and pronounce death. It allows registered nurses employed by attending hospices to complete and sign the medical certification of death for terminally ill patients receiving hospice services, provided the death occurs in a hospice inpatient program or a nursing home or hospital. Additionally, the bill stipulates that, with certain exceptions, registered nurses are generally prohibited from signing death certificates or pronouncing death.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for advanced practice registered nurses, allowing them to complete and sign medical certificates of death and pronounce death in a hospital setting, contingent upon receiving authority from the hospital's medical director. This amendment aims to streamline the process of death certification and ensure that qualified medical professionals can fulfill these responsibilities in appropriate circumstances.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1734 Original - 3-11-2025 12:58 PM: 20-18-601(c)
Old version HB1734 V2 - 3-17-2025 11:55 AM: 20-18-601(c)
HB 1734: 20-18-601(c)