Bill > A01958

This bill amends the New York Public Health Law to expand the authority for signing death certificates in hospice settings. Currently, death certificates must be signed by the physician or nurse practitioner who was last attending to the deceased patient. The proposed change allows a hospice medical director or a physician designated by that director to sign the death certificate, providing more flexibility in documenting patient deaths in hospice care. This modification recognizes that in hospice settings, the primary treating physician might not always be available to complete the death certificate, so the medical director or a designated physician can now legally fill this administrative role. The bill is straightforward and aims to streamline the documentation process for hospice providers by creating an alternative pathway for certifying patient deaths. The amendment takes effect immediately upon passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1958