North Dakota House Bill HB1481

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23
• Report Pass: 2/16/23
• Engrossed: 3/3/23
• Refer: 3/3/23
• Report Pass: 3/15/23
• Enrolled: 3/20/23
• Passed: 3/23/23

Caption

Access to death records and training of coroner and medical personnel.

Impact

One significant change involves the conditions under which death records can be certified and issued. The bill permits authorized individuals, such as relatives and professionals involved in medical or legal processes, broader access to detailed death records, which may include sensitive information such as the cause of death and social security numbers. This legislation aims to facilitate better research and understanding of family medical histories while maintaining appropriate privacy measures.

Summary

House Bill 1481 addresses the management and accessibility of death records in North Dakota by making provisions regarding who can access these records and the usage of correspondence and images by coroners and medical examiners. The bill introduces amendments to the North Dakota Century Code to clarify the circumstances under which personal information can be released, specifically aiming to improve the way sensitive data is handled while ensuring the usability of such records for legitimate purposes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1481 appears to be generally positive, particularly among those advocating for more efficient procedures in handling death records and supporting the educational use of such records in forensic science training. Supporters argue that clearer access provisions will enhance the ability of medical and legal professionals to serve the public more effectively.

Contention

Despite its support, there are points of contention regarding privacy concerns. Opponents may fear that broader access could lead to misuse or unauthorized sharing of sensitive information. Discussions in legislative sessions highlighted the balance between improving access for professional use while safeguarding the autonomy and rights of decedents’ families. Ensuring that the identities of deceased individuals are adequately protected during training and educational scenarios is essential in this ongoing discourse.