SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2458

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Requiring the department of health to adopt rules establishing an abbreviated death certificate.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Hayes and Goodman).

Brief Summary of Bill

Directs the Department of Health (DOH) to establish rules regarding the content and release of an abbreviated death certificate.
Allows abbreviated death certificates to be used in any instance in which a government agency requires the submission of a death certificate, but the cause of death is not material to the filing.

Background: DOH operates the state vital records system for registering births, deaths, fetal deaths, marriages, divorce decrees, annulments, and separations. The vital records system must collect items recommended for collection by the federal government. Death certificates must include identifying information about the deceased person, the time and place of death, the circumstances and cause of death, and information about the person certifying the death. DOH and local registrars may issue certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Washington.

Summary of Bill: DOH must establish rules regarding the content and release of an abbreviated death certificate that includes identifying information about the decedent, but excludes information related to the cause of death, the Social Security number, and the names of the decedent's parents. In cases in which a government agency requires the submission of a death certificate, the agency must recognize the use of the abbreviated death certificate if the cause of a person's death is not material to the filing.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Long form death certificates contain a lot of information that can lead to identity theft. An abbreviated certificate would reduce the risk of identity theft and keep private information private. A long form certificate would still be available if needed.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Dave Hayes, Prime Sponsor; Greg Gilday, citizen.