As of September 2024, the rules surrounding death certificates and the associated process in England and Wales changed, having remained largely unchanged for over 50 years. These have come about to enhance the accuracy and transparency of death documentation, aiming to ensure better support for bereaved families while helping to improve public health data. However, while the changes aim to improve the death certificate process, they have had some unintended consequences, including delays in funerals taking place.
Here, we take a closer look at the new death certificate regulations and their impact on funerals.
What are the key changes made to the death certificate regulations?
Medical examiner review
The main change to the process is the introduction of a mandatory medical examiner review for all deaths – except those being investigated by a coroner.
Medical examiners will review the cause of death proposed by the attending practitioner, who can complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
How have things changed? Previously, a referral was made to a coroner if the attending practitioner had not seen the deceased within 28 days before the death, or had not seen the deceased in person after they had died.
Who can be a medical examiner? A medical examiner is a senior medical doctor, trained in the legal and clinical elements of the death certificate process, contracted to provide independent scrutiny of the cause of death when coroners are not investigating the death. This is outside the medical examiner’s usual clinical duties. They might make further inquiries or refer the death to the coroner.
Revised Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
A new MCCD form has been introduced to replace the current one. This will include details of the medical examiner, as well as additional information about the person who has died, including pregnancy status and secondary causes of death. This provides a more comprehensive understanding of mortality data.
It’s also worth noting that the MCCD submission is now electronic.
Streamlined cremation process
Previously, a doctor had to complete Cremation Form 4 to certify the cause of death before cremation. This form has been permanently removed. Instead, the MCCD is reviewed by a medical examiner and includes all necessary information, which in turn eliminates the need for a separate form.
What new forms have been introduced? Replacing the old system, three new forms have been introduced:
- Cremation Form 1: Application for cremation
- Cremation Form 6: Coroner’s certificate, used when a coroner is involved
- Cremation Form 10: Authorisation for cremation by a medical referee.
These forms include all necessary information and, in turn, should streamline the process.
Registering a death
The deceased’s partner or legal representative can now register a death. Previously, only relatives or certain other individuals were able to.
The five-day statutory time for registering a death now starts from the notification of death, rather than the date a person died.
How have these changes impacted funeral arrangements?
As mentioned, while these changes aim to streamline and improve the process, recent months have seen funeral arrangements subsequently impacted.
Here are some of the ways funerals have been affected:
Delays in funerals
The additional step of a medical examiner review has, in some cases, resulted in delays in issuing the death certificate. In some cases, families are waiting weeks, if not months, to arrange a funeral, compared to previously, when funerals were often organised within one to two weeks.
Emotional distress for loved ones
These extended periods of waiting to plan a funeral can emotionally impact bereaved families, leaving them in a prolonged state of uncertainty and mourning.
Logistical challenges
These delays can also lead to complications in planning a funeral, especially when relatives are travelling a distance. Additionally, the delays might impact religious or cultural practices that require time-sensitive funerals.
Has your loved one recently died? Receive support from Julie Hughes
The 2024 death certificate changes across England and Wales have not only enhanced the accuracy of documenting a death, but have also had a severe impact on many families of those who have died.
While the intention is to protect public health and provide transparency, the implementation has introduced challenges in funeral planning, causing distress to grieving families. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues, including increasing the number of medical examiners and streamlining processes to reduce delays.
If your loved one has recently died and you need professional probate support or advice from a friendly expert, then get in touch with Julie Hughes at Hughes Probate Services. Alternatively, if you’re looking for guidance on Deputyship or Lasting Powers of Attorney, Julie is here to help. Contact Julie.
