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Confirmation and Certification of Death

Confirmation and Certification of Death. HDR 23.9.09. GPC Guidelines April 1999 (June 2009). Guidance for GPs in England and Wales Distinction between confirming and certifying death English Law:- Does not require a doctor to confirm death has occurred

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Confirmation and Certification of Death

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  1. Confirmation and Certification of Death HDR 23.9.09

  2. GPC Guidelines April 1999 (June 2009) • Guidance for GPs in England and Wales Distinction between confirming and certifying death English Law:- Does not require a doctor to confirm death has occurred Does not require a doctor to view the body of a deceased person Does not require a doctor to report the fact that a death has occurred DOES require the doctor who attended during last illness to issue a certificate detailing the cause of death

  3. Expected Deaths • Own home - Wise to visit as soon as urgent needs of living patients permit • RH/NH – If GP who attended during last illness available it is sensible for him/her to visit to issue a certificate If on call or OOH then unlikely that any useful purpose will be served by that doctor attending although need to notify GP with whom the patient was registered.

  4. Unexpected Deaths • If in patients home or RH/NH recommend a visit by GP with home patient was registered to examine and confirm death although not a statutory requirement. This is also extends to OOH. GP should report to coroner. • In other circumstances the request to attend is likely to come from police or ambulance. Wise to refer to FME. They are trained to make the distinction between. • Deaths where there is prima fascie evidence of violence or other unnatural causes • Sudden or unexpected death with no prima facie evidence of violence or unnatural causes

  5. Certification of death • Attended the patient during last illness • Seen within 2 weeks (Discuss with coroners office if don’t comply) • Avoid ‘old age’ (Acceptable for registration purposes if over 80 but medical referees will query) • Modes of death rather than causes is likely to be rejected

  6. Crmation Guidelines • New form Jan 2009 • Form 4 - Should be by doctor who treated the patient in their final illness and who has seen the body within 14 days of death • Form 5 - A registered doctor for at least five years and truly independent of the form 4 doctor • Form 5 doc will need contact details of persons nursing the deceased or present at the time of death

  7. Further Reading GPC Confirmation and Certification of death Ministry of Justice Cremation Regulations 2008 Death Certificate Book

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