This bill amends Section 144.26 of the Iowa Code to establish procedures for modifying and substituting death certificates based on information obtained from brain autopsies. It allows for such modifications when a brain autopsy, conducted by a licensed individual or laboratory, or an accredited medical school in the U.S., reveals additional information about conditions that may have contributed to a decedent's death. Importantly, the bill stipulates that a court order is not required for these modifications if the application is made within ten years of the decedent's death.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any substituted death certificate must comply with existing requirements outlined in sections 144.38 and 144.41 of the Iowa Code. It also specifies that the state will not charge a fee for the modification and substitution process. To ensure effective implementation, the Department of Health and Human Services is directed to adopt rules in accordance with chapter 17A.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 144.26