Implementation of the Certification of Death (Scotland) Act 2011 - Consultation on the Expedited "not staying registration" Procedure
This consultation seeks views on one aspect of the planned changes to the death certification process in Scotland, which will be implemented from spring 2014. Specifically, it seeks views on the arrangements that should be in place for any rare situations where there is a need and a clear rationale for a funeral to proceed within a specific timescale and where that timescale may not be met if the standard review procedure is followed.
3. Background
3.1 The Certification of Death (Scotland) Act 2011 ("the 2011 Act") was introduced to update the certification of death process in Scotland. The aims of the legislation are to:
- Introduce a single system of independent, effective scrutiny applicable to deaths that do not require a Procurator Fiscal investigation
- Improve the quality and accuracy of Medical Certificates of Cause of Death (MCCDs)
- Provide improved public health information and strengthened clinical governance in relation to deaths
3.2 The 2011 Act establishes the role of Medical Reviewer and Senior Medical Reviewer, supported by Medical Reviewer Assistants, whose primary functions are to conduct reviews of Medical Certificates of Cause of Death (MCCDs) expeditiously but thoroughly. They will also have a role in providing training, guidance and support to doctors who certify the cause of death and they will liaise with other persons and bodies with a view to improving the accuracy of these certificates.
3.3 The date at which the Act comes into force is the same date at which the new system can start, currently projected for spring 2014.
Contact
Email: Sarah Dillon
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