Bill S.112 proposes to amend the current law regarding death certificates in Vermont to allow the State Registrar to correct or amend a death certificate to reflect the gender identity of the deceased at the time of death. The bill specifies that such amendments can be requested by a certifying licensed health care professional, medical examiner, hospital, nursing home, or certain family members of the deceased, including spouses, adult children, parents, guardians, adult siblings, or adult grandchildren. Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Health to adopt rules for implementing this process, which will include guidelines for acceptable evidence of gender identity, necessary forms, and procedures for predesignation of gender identity.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the intent of the General Assembly for the Department of Health to create a comprehensive procedure that allows health care professionals or surviving family members to attest to the gender identity of the deceased. This procedure aims to address and resolve any conflicting requests regarding the correction or amendment of gender identity on death certificates through careful consideration of appropriate evidence. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-5202a