Changes to Death Certification from 9 September 2024
New legislation, which has been subject to several delays, came into force on 9 September 2024 with regards to the process for certifying deaths in England and Wales no investigated by a coroner.
The legislation is designed to strengthen safeguards, prevent criminal activity and offer greater protection and support to bereaved families.
As from the above-mentioned date, all deaths in any health setting, not investigated by a coroner, will be reviewed by NHS medical examiners. These are independent senior doctors trained in the legal and clinical elements of the death certification process.
The most noticeable changes will relate to the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) and cremation paperwork.
The MCCD is the certificate completed by the doctors who looked after the deceased and contains information that is included in the Death Certificate. As previously mentioned, from 9 September, medical examiners will be required in law to review every death in England and Wales that is not investigated by a coroner. To confirm this review has been completed, the medical examiner will countersign the new version of the medical certificate before it can go to the Registrar.
All deaths taking place after midnight on the morning of 9 September 2024 will not need cremation paperwork as this role will now be taken over by the new MCCD with the medical examiner review.
It is strongly recommended that a funeral date is not booked until the medical examiners office has contacted you to confirm an MCCD can be issued. The reasons for this are because the medical examiner team cannot start reviewing the death until it has received all the paperwork from the attending doctor and review might indicate a coroner’s referral is necessary which means the MCCD may not be issued.
For the most part, these changes will be implemented within the organisations that assist you with registering a death and may not greatly affect what our clients have to do other than to wait for confirmation that the MCCD has been issued.
It is important that we receive the death certificate before we are able to provide advice in connection with a deceased’s estate administration but would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Our friendly team of experienced solicitors offer a tailored approach to your legal requirements. From planning for the future to dealing with the death of a loved one, Rogers & Norton provide a sensitive and personalised service. For more information, visit our Wills, Trusts and Probate services page, or contact us by calling 01603 666001 or emailing enquiries@rogers-norton.co.uk.