Delaware will let physician assistants pronounce deaths and sign medical forms

Licensed physician assistants may pronounce deaths and complete and sign medical death certifications. The certification permission covers deaths that do not require an official investigation. Physician assistants must follow the rules that govern their practice. The form must reach the funeral director within 48 hours after death, or as soon as possible for deaths covered by the stated exceptions.

Registered nurses may pronounce deaths, but nurses without advanced practice authority are not listed to sign these medical certifications. The signing rule described here covers deaths that do not require an official investigation. Registered nurses must follow nursing practice rules when pronouncing a death. Advanced practice nurses are listed among those who may sign the certification.