House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Death Certification Reform and the Introduction of Medical Examiners
15 April 2024 · Department of Health and Social Care
Proposed by Maria Caulfield Con Lewes
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Government to reform death certification in England and Wales by introducing medical examiners
- Reforms include making deaths subject to scrutiny by medical examiners or investigation by coroners
- Changes take effect on September 9, 2024
Issue summary
The Government is reforming death certification in England and Wales by introducing medical examiners.
Action requested
The Government will lay regulations before Parliament to implement the reforms, which include making deaths subject to either a medical examiner’s scrutiny or a coroner’s investigation. The changes take effect on September 9, 2024, and aim to enhance transparency and improve practice in death certification processes.
Key facts
- All deaths will legally become subject to scrutiny by medical examiners or coroners.
- Changes come into force on 9 September 2024.
- Medical examiners will offer conversations with the bereaved.
- The reforms are part of broader changes to death certification, coronial and registration processes.
- This is the most significant set of reforms in 70 years.
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