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Bill

Bill

A 1958

Relates to the authority of a hospice medical director to sign a death certificate

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Maritza Davila and 4 co-sponsors

Bill A 1958 allows hospice medical directors to sign death certificates, streamlining documentation for families and improving efficiency during sensitive times.

REFERRED TO HEALTH
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Bill Summary · A 1958

Summary of Bill A 1958

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 1958
  • Title: Relates to the authority of a hospice medical director to sign a death certificate
  • Status: Referred to Health Committee
  • Introduced: January 14, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 1958 aims to clarify and expand the authority of hospice medical directors regarding the signing of death certificates. The intent is to streamline the process of documenting death for patients under hospice care, thereby improving efficiency and ensuring that families receive timely documentation during a sensitive period.

Key Provisions

  • Authority to Sign: The bill specifically grants hospice medical directors the legal authority to sign death certificates for patients who have received hospice services.
  • Eligibility Criteria: It outlines the conditions under which a hospice medical director may sign a death certificate, ensuring that they meet specific qualifications and standards.
  • Documentation Process: The bill may include provisions for the proper documentation and reporting processes to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Hospice Medical Directors: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be hospice medical directors, who would gain the authority to sign death certificates, reducing the need for additional medical evaluations.
  • Patients and Families: Patients receiving hospice care and their families would benefit from a more streamlined process, allowing for quicker access to death certificates during a difficult time.
  • Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and healthcare facilities that collaborate with hospice services may experience changes in their administrative processes related to death documentation.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 14, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Health Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session Bill A 9525 and has a companion bill, S 3363, which may address similar issues or provide additional context.

Conclusion

Bill A 1958 seeks to enhance the role of hospice medical directors in the end-of-life care process by allowing them to sign death certificates. This legislative change aims to improve the efficiency of documentation for families and healthcare providers, ensuring a smoother transition during a challenging time. The bill is currently under review by the Health Committee, and its progress will be monitored for further developments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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