Bill > HB0155

This bill amends Tennessee's death certificate laws to remove previous limitations on registered nurses determining and pronouncing death in healthcare settings like nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted-care living facilities. Specifically, the bill modifies Section 68-3-511 to require that the attending physician agree in writing to sign the death certificate and be present with the deceased at the place of death. Additionally, the bill adds a new provision clarifying that these changes do not prevent county medical examiners from investigating deaths when required by law, such as under the Post-Mortem Examination Act. The medical examiner retains the authority to certify, complete, and sign death certificates as needed. By expanding the circumstances under which a registered nurse can officially pronounce death and ensuring physician involvement through written agreement, the bill aims to provide more flexibility in documenting deaths while maintaining proper medical oversight. The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law, with the stated purpose of serving the public welfare.