The bill amends the Public Health Code to update the procedures for reporting deaths, particularly focusing on the responsibilities of funeral directors and the medical certification process. It specifies that a funeral director who first assumes custody of a dead body must report the death and obtain necessary personal data from the next of kin or the best qualified individual. The bill clarifies that the medical certification portion of the death record must be completed within 48 hours by the attending physician or an authorized representative, and in cases requiring investigation, by the county medical examiner. Additionally, it mandates that starting March 17, 2027, medical certifications must be submitted using a web-based application system established by the department, with individuals required to complete training for its use.

Furthermore, the bill introduces specific provisions for reporting the death of infants born alive following an attempted abortion, stating that such cases must be reported without disclosing identifying information about the deceased infant or their parents. The deceased infant will be listed as "Baby Doe" in the records. The bill also emphasizes that physicians must not neglect or refuse to certify death records when presented with the necessary documentation by funeral directors. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of Senate Bill No. 1161 and will take effect 90 days after being enacted into law.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 333.2843