Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Death Certification Reform and the Introduction of Medical Examiners

29 July 2024 · Department of Health and Social Care

Proposed by Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The Government plans to implement regulations for a statutory medical examiner system on September 9, 2024.
  • The reforms aim to improve practice and communication in death certification.
  • The changes are intended to ensure proper referrals to coroners and deter poor practices or criminal activity.

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.
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