Bill > HB224

This bill amends Delaware law to authorize licensed Physician Assistants (PAs) to pronounce death and complete medical certifications of death, while simultaneously removing registered nurses from the list of practitioners eligible to complete these tasks. Specifically, the bill modifies two sections of Delaware code: Title 16 (related to death registration) and Title 24 (related to professional regulation). The changes expand the scope of practice for Physician Assistants by explicitly adding their ability to pronounce death and complete death certificates to the list of medical acts they can perform. The bill clarifies that when no official death investigation is required, medical certifications can now be completed by attending physicians, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), and Physician Assistants. These medical certifications must be electronically prepared, certified, and signed. This legislative change aligns professional practice regulations with current healthcare standards and ensures that PAs have clear, formal authorization to perform these important end-of-life administrative duties.

Health and Social Services

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142607