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Death Certification Reform and the Introduction of Medical Examiners

29 July 2024

Proposing MP
Gorton and Denton
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department of Health and Social Care

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the reform of death certification procedures in the UK, introducing a statutory medical examiner system.

Action Requested

The Government plans to implement regulations for a statutory medical examiner system and related changes on September 9, 2024. The reforms aim to improve practice and communication, ensuring proper referrals to coroners and deterring poor practices or criminal activity.

Key Facts

  • Regulations were laid on 15 April 2024.
  • All deaths will be subject to scrutiny by a medical examiner or investigation by a coroner from 9 September 2024.
  • The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death Regulations, the Medical Examiners Regulations and the National Medical Examiner (Additional Functions) Regulations will come into force on 9 September 2024.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy