Legislators hear bills to require physicians to certify death records electronically, clarify medical examiner role

The Michigan House Health Policy Committee on Tuesday heard testimony on House Bills 4077 and 4078, which would require physicians to enter cause-of-death determinations and certify death records in the state's electronic death registration system (EDRS) and clarify when county medical examiners must sign certificates.

Supporters told the committee the measures aim to shorten delays that grieving families face when funeral directors and county clerks must wait for physician signatures before burial, cremation or settlement of estates. Representative Will Rogers, sponsor of House Bill 4077, said the bills were developed with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and professional groups and are a reintroduction of measures that passed the full House last session.

''''Representative Rogers said the bills would require physicians to enter the cause-of-death…