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Bill > HB1851

PA HB1851

PA HB1851
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in death and fetal death registration, further providing for information for certificates and for coroner referrals.

summary

Introduced
09/10/2025
In Committee
09/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Amending the act of June 29, 1953 (P.L.304, No.66), entitled "An act providing for the administration of a statewide system of vital statistics; prescribing the functions of the State Department of Health, the State Advisory Health Board and local registrars; imposing duties upon coroners, prothonotaries, clerks of orphans' court, physicians, midwives and other persons; requiring reports and certificates for the registration of vital statistics; regulating the disposition of dead bodies; limiting the disclosure of records; prescribing the sufficiency of vital statistics records as evidence; prescribing fees and penalties; and revising and consolidating the laws relating thereto," IN GENERAL PROVISIONS, FURTHER PROVIDING FOR <-- DEFINITIONS; AND, in death and fetal death registration, further providing for information for certificates AND FOR <-- CORONER REFERRALS.

AI Summary

This bill amends the Vital Statistics Law of 1953 to update definitions and procedures related to death and fetal death registration. The bill introduces a formal definition of "midwife" as an individual licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1985 and expands the list of medical professionals who can provide medical certifications for death and fetal death certificates to include certified nurse midwives. The legislation modifies existing rules about who can complete medical certifications, introducing provisions that require alternative certification if the primary medical professional is a member of the deceased's immediate family. The bill also updates coroner referral requirements, specifically adding midwives to the list of medical professionals whose inability to provide necessary data would trigger a coroner's investigation. These changes aim to clarify and modernize the process of documenting deaths and fetal deaths, ensuring comprehensive and accurate vital statistics records by broadening the range of medical professionals who can certify these important documents. The amendments will take effect 60 days after the bill's passage.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (16)

Last Action

Laid on the table (on 12/17/2025)

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