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Death Certification Reform and the Introduction of Medical Examiners
15 April 2024
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
At a Glance
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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