The bill seeks to improve the timeliness and accuracy of death reporting in Washington State by amending existing laws regarding death certificates. It mandates that reports of death be filed within five calendar days of a death or discovery of human remains, with specific guidelines for unique circumstances. The bill also introduces provisions allowing immediate family members to correct demographic information on death reports within two years of the decedent's death. Additionally, it requires medical certifiers and coroners to provide more detailed information to ensure accurate coding and classification of causes of death.

Moreover, the bill establishes penalties for licensed medical professionals who fail to timely produce death reports, categorizing such failures as unprofessional conduct. It emphasizes the need for training for physicians involved in certifying death reports to ensure familiarity with the vital records system. The legislation also caps the continuing education hours for physicians with a retired active license at fifty hours per year and requires the office of crime victims advocacy to provide culturally sensitive information on human trafficking to the commission. Lastly, it allows the commission to grant licensure without examination to applicants who have not renewed their licenses, provided they meet other requirements and demonstrate competency.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.58A.200, 70.58A.500, 70.58A.550, 43.70.150, 18.71.080