California updates death registration system with electronic access for health care providers

California Assembly Bill 585, introduced on February 12, 2025, aims to modernize the state's death registration process by implementing an electronic death registration system. This initiative seeks to enhance the efficiency and security of death record management while ensuring compliance with existing privacy laws.

The bill outlines key provisions that include the establishment of a secure electronic system for creating, storing, and transferring death registration information. It emphasizes the protection of personally identifiable information and mandates that access to the system be granted to healthcare providers, such as physicians and medical examiners, in addition to local registrars. This expanded access is intended to streamline the process of completing death certificates and improve coordination among relevant parties.

Notably, the bill amends Section 102785 of the Health and Safety Code, allowing the State Registrar to incorporate advanced technologies, including mobile applications, to enhance the statewide program for death and fetal death registration. However, it also clarifies that local districts retain the option to file death certificates manually, ensuring that traditional methods remain available.

The introduction of AB 585 has sparked discussions regarding the balance between modernization and privacy. Supporters argue that the electronic system will reduce administrative burdens and improve accuracy in death record management. Critics, however, express concerns about potential data breaches and the safeguarding of sensitive information.

The implications of this bill extend beyond administrative efficiency; it reflects a broader trend towards digitization in public health systems. Experts suggest that successful implementation could serve as a model for other states looking to modernize their death registration processes.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will closely monitor amendments and debates surrounding AB 585, which could shape the future of death record management in California. The bill's progress will be pivotal in determining how effectively the state can balance innovation with the protection of personal information.