The arrangements for death certification and registration have been extensively reviewed and in 2011 new laws were passed by the Scottish Parliament to:
- streamline the current process
- improve the accuracy of death certification, and
- provide improved public health information about causes of death in Scotland.
The Certification of Death (Scotland) Act 2011 introduces a number of changes to the current system. In particular, it introduces checks on the accuracy of Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCDs) by setting up a new national review system.
From 13 May 2015 Healthcare Improvement Scotland will implement the Death Certification Review programme and run the service, with the review of MCCDs carried out by experienced and trained doctors.
Death certification information for the public
New arrangements on the registration and certification of deaths in Scotland will be introduced on 13 May 2015. This includes the establishment of an independent review service to be run by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
To find out more, visit the Healthcare Improvement Website