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 updates Arkansas Code 20-18-601(c)(3) to allow a registered nurse employed by the attending hospice to complete and sign the medical certification of death for terminally ill patients receiving hospice services. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that permit an advanced practice registered nurse to sign the medical certificate of death and pronounce death in a hospital setting, provided they have the authority from the hospital's medical staff and a physician is not immediately available.

This legislative change aims to streamline the process of certifying death, particularly in hospice and hospital settings, by expanding the roles of qualified nursing professionals. The inclusion of advanced practice registered nurses in this process reflects a recognition of their training and capabilities, thereby enhancing the efficiency of end-of-life care.

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)
Old version HB1734 V3 - 4-8-2025 10:52 AM: 20-18-601(c)
HB 1734: 20-18-601(c)
Act 862: 20-18-601(c)