New Death Certification Procedure Starting in September 2024
Starting on 9th September 2024, the UK will implement a new system for death certification. There will be several significant changes aiming to improve the accuracy and efficiency of reporting and recording deaths.
The key changes are:
Introduction of Medical Examiners:
• Every death will be reviewed by either a Medical Examiner or Coroner (there will be no exceptions). Where the death is considered from natural causes, NHS Trusts and GPs will be required to share the records with the Medical Examiner for scrutiny. The attending GP will complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) based on their knowledge and belief and this will be sent to the Medical Examiner who will complete a Declaration of Certification and Scrutiny. Both the MCCD and Declaration of Certification and Scrutiny will be sent to the Registrar and then the family will be notified that the 5-day window to register the death has begun.
• The family will be able to contact the Medical Examiner to discuss the cause of death should they feel it is necessary.
New Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD):
• The new MCCD will now include additional information, such as the details of the medical examiner who scrutinized the cause of death and the ethnicity of the deceased (as self-declared on their medical records). This is in response to gaps of such information during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• There will be specific sections to note maternal deaths and the presence of medical devices or implants.
More People can Register the Death:
• The partner (not just spouse) of the deceased can now register the death or any other representative of the deceased can attend the Registrar to register the death. This will make it easier to Solicitors to families when registering a death and where appropriate can relieve the immediate family of what can often be an upsetting task.
Exceptional Circumstances Certification:
• In cases where there is no attending Practitioner available, the Senior Coroner can refer the case to a Medical Examiner to complete a Medical Examiner MCCD. This aims to reduce delays and present unnecessary post-mortems.
Digital Integration:
• A digital version of the MCCD will be introduced, this is to allow easier sharing and processing of the certificate (this system is to set come in later in 2024).
It is hoped with these changes that death records will be more accurate and clear. They also aim to streamline the process and allow families to receive more assistance whilst registering a death.
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.