NCJ Number
168686
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 42 Issue: 2 Dated: (March 1997) Pages: 265-269
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the current death registration system in the United States, along with its history, to provide a basis for better understanding the status of death registration practices and where they may be headed; information is also provided about limitations of data derived from death certificates, training, education, and legal issues.
Abstract
The current version of the Model Vital Statistics Act was issued in 1992, and the current U.S. Standard Certificate of Death is a 1989 revision. Today, each State constitutes a registration area and has adapted modifications of the Model Vital Statistics Act and U.S. Standard Certificate of Death to meet its own need. There are some general problems regarding the death certificate, including inconsistencies and weaknesses in existing guidelines and instructions for completing the cause-of- death section. Despite instructional materials, problems continue to occur with the accuracy and completeness of cause-of-death statements on death certificates. One problem may relate to the fact that most physicians who certify death complete few death certificates, making it difficult to gain experience. Another problem is that few medical schools or postgraduate training programs include formal instruction on how to complete the death certificate. The complexities and problems of death registration have resulted in recognition that the death registration process might be improved and in meetings to effect such improvement. There is little doubt that death registration will evolve away from paper-based records toward electronic ones, as is occurring on a trial basis now in New Hampshire. There is discussion of "attaching" additional information, such as medical record diagnoses, regarding the cause of death. Alternatives to the funeral industry are being explored for accepting the responsibility of ensuring that death certificates are completed and filed. 47 references