Relating to notice of a modification to the medical certification information on certain death certificates.
The enactment of HB 723 will result in changes to the Health and Safety Code, specifically adding Section 193.012, which establishes the new requirements surrounding the notification process for amendments to death certificates. This law will apply to all amendments requested post its effective date of September 1, 2021. As a consequence, local departments responsible for handling death certificates will need to implement new procedures to ensure compliance with this requirement, potentially affecting their operational workflows.
House Bill 723, known as Marilyn's Law, aims to enhance the notice process regarding modifications to the medical certification information on death certificates. Specifically, the bill mandates that when an amendment is requested for a death certificate, the person submitting the request must provide written notice of this modification to the decedent's next of kin. This requirement is intended to ensure that the family members are informed of significant changes in the documentation of their loved one's death, thereby promoting transparency and communication during a difficult time.
The sentiment around HB 723 appears largely positive, as it introduces a measure designed to support families in their times of grief. Lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, evidenced by the 145-0 vote in the House and 31-0 in the Senate, indicating broad bipartisan agreement on its merits. The legislation speaks to the importance of familial communication and rights in the context of death certification processes, which resonates well with many legislators and constituents.
There seems to be little contention surrounding HB 723 in the legislative discussions, as it received unanimous support in both chambers. The absence of significant opposition suggests that the bill addresses an important area of concern regarding the notification of next of kin, and there are no notable points of disagreement recorded in the voting history or discussions. However, implementation challenges could arise as local departments adapt to the new requirements, which might lead to discussions in the future about the operational implications of the law.