Certifying a Death in Vermont
Format for Certifying a Vermont Death
- Preliminary Report of Death (pdf) - print a copy to use during the tutorial. All items on this form also appear in the Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS).
The following procedures should be followed when a physician is asked to certify a death
1. Evaluate if the death is reportable to the medical examiner. Each state has specific laws relating to which cases are reportable to the Medical examiner or Coroner. In VT these are described under 18 V.S.A. § 5205. Also see reportable deaths.
Familiarity with local law is essential. If you are unclear if the death is reportable, it is wise to report it, there is no charge for doing so (1-888-552-2952). If the medical examiner accepts the case then they will certify the death.
If the medical examiner declines jurisdiction and asks you to certify the death, proceed to Step 2. Of course before reporting a case one must know something of the circumstances of the death which may require contacting another physician or reviewing the medical record. (see #2).
2. Evaluate if there is a more appropriate certifier. Physicians are often asked to certify deaths of patients about whom they have little or no personal knowledge. Examples include emergency room physicians, hospitalists, and cross covering physicians.
In these instances contacting the personal or attending physician should be attempted as they may be able to more accurately and completely certify the death. If there is no one more appropriate, proceed to Step 3.
3. Certify the cause of death as accurately as possible.