What does the law now require for physicians to sign death certificates?
Texas physicians who are asked to sign a death certificate must do so electronically or face fines of up to $500 per violation. House Bill 1739 — which took effect in 2007 — requires a medical certifier on a death certificate to submit the medical certification and attest to its validity electronically. Physicians must register with the Texas Electronic Death Registrar (TEDR) before signing a death certificate. Any physician who signs a death certificate, and is not registered with TEDR, could be fined $500 by the Texas Medical Board. The Texas Department of State Health Services operates the TEDR. Physicians should also note that signing a paper death certificate — even if you are registered with the TEDR — is now considered illegal. Therefore, do not sign a paper death certificate. Physicians can register at the TEDR web site.
