PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Revising chapter 246-491 WAC, Vital statistics -- Certificates, this rule creates procedures for approving death certificates that are signed and filed including those filed using the electronic death registration system (EDRS) currently being deployed.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.70.150 and chapter 70.58 RCW are the applicable statutes.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: A death certificate requires three signatures before it can be filed: The funeral director, physician or medical examiner/coroner, and the deputy registrar. Clarifying procedures in rule that encourage faster, electronic filing benefit families, physicians and funeral directors.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making with interested parties to address need around electronic filing of death records.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Philip Freeman, Manager Statistical Services, Center for Health Statistics, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47814, Olympia, 98504-7814, e-mail philip.freeman@doh.wa.gov, phone (360) 236-4330.
March 28, 2007
Mary C. Selecky
Secretary