UPDATE: 9^TH SEPTEMBER 2024 CHANGES TO CERTIFYING DEATHS 

These changes aim to streamline the death certification process, ensure greater accuracy in recording causes of death, and provide better support to bereaved families.

 

Key Changes to MCCD Regulations

1. Mandatory Medical Examiner Review for All Deaths:
   • Under the new regulations, all deaths now require a Medical Examiner (ME) review before the MCCD can be issued. Previously, this scrutiny was not mandatory for all deaths. The ME reviews the cause of death provided by the attending doctor to ensure its accuracy and to confirm that the death does not require further investigation by a coroner.
2. Electronic Issuance of MCCDs:
   • The regulations have introduced the electronic issuance of the MCCD, reducing the reliance on paper-based certificates. This change was implemented to streamline the process and allow for quicker communication between doctors, Medical Examiners, registrars, and funeral directors.
3. Greater Clarity and Transparency for Families:
   • The new regulations require Medical Examiners to provide clearer explanations to families about the cause of death and the process involved. Families have the right to raise questions or concerns about the recorded cause of death, which must be addressed by the Medical Examiner.
4. Streamlined Referrals to the Coroner:
   • The updated regulations have clarified and streamlined the criteria for referring cases to the coroner, especially for certain causes of death or in cases where the attending doctor is not confident about the cause.
5. Updated Training and Guidance for Healthcare Professionals:
   • The new regulations have been accompanied by updated training for doctors, Medical Examiners, and other healthcare professionals to ensure they understand the new processes and documentation requirements.
6. Digital Communication Between Stakeholders:
   • The regulations have also encouraged digital communication between doctors, Medical Examiners, registrars, and funeral directors, which should reduce administrative burdens and improve the overall coordination between parties.

 

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Where Can You Register a Death?

Currently, most Registrar’s Offices are closed, and death registrations are being handled over the phone. It’s advisable to check with your local Registrar’s Office for the most up-to-date information.

If you need assistance with the registration process, your local funeral director can help. They can guide you on making arrangements and provide advice even before the death is officially registered.

 

Who Can Register a Death?

In most cases, a relative of the deceased will register the death. However, if no relatives are available, the following people can register it:

• Anyone who was present at the time of death
• A resident of the house where the death occurred
• The person responsible for arranging the funeral
• The chosen funeral director

The process for registering a death may differ if the Coroner or Procurator Fiscal is involved in the investigation. If this is the case, we can offer guidance and support.

When registering a death, the Registrar will need the following details about the deceased:

• Date and place of birth
• Full name
• Date and location of death
• Occupation
• Home address
• Information on any pension or allowance from public funds
• Marital or civil partnership status

 

What Information to Provide to the Registrar

You will need to provide the following documents during your phone appointment with the Registrar or have electronic copies ready:

• Birth certificate
• Driving license
• Passport
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• NHS medical card (if available)
• Proof of address

 

What the Registrar Will Do

The Registrar will provide several documents free of charge:

• A green Certificate for Burial or Cremation (or a white Certificate of Registration of Death in Scotland), which can be sent directly to the funeral director.
• A form or certificate for the Department of Work and Pensions to handle benefits.

Additionally, the Registrar will issue a death certificate, which is a copy of the entry in the death register. There is a fee for each copy of the death certificate. You can still request additional copies, but there may be delays in receiving them by post.

 

How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost?

The cost of a death certificate varies depending on where the death occurred in the UK. The cost per copy is:

• £12.50 in England & Wales
• £10 in Scotland
• £8 in Northern Ireland

The cost of additional copies may increase if purchased at a later date. Extra copies might be necessary if the deceased’s estate needs to go through probate or if there are bank accounts or insurance policies to close.

 

What Happens If You Don’t Register a Death Within 5 Days?

You cannot register the death until the Medical Examiner has sent the ‘medical certificate of cause of death’ to the registrars. They will inform you once this has been done. After that, you have 5 days to complete the registration.

If the death is being investigated by the Coroner or Procurator Fiscal, registration cannot occur until their inquiries are completed.

It is a legal requirement to register a death, and failure to do so is considered a criminal offence. You cannot delegate this responsibility to someone else.

 

Registering a Death in Scotland

As noted earlier, if the death occurred in Scotland, it must be registered within 8 days. Unlike other parts of the UK, some Medical Certificates of Cause of Death (MCCD) in Scotland may be selected for review after submission to the Registrar, which can delay registration by up to 3 days.

If you are planning a religious funeral that needs to happen promptly, you may apply for ‘advanced registration.’ If approved, this allows the funeral to proceed without delay.