SF 602 (LSB 2884XS (3) 91)

SENATE FILE 602

BY  QUIRMBACH

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to modification and substitution of a death certificate based on information obtained from a brain autopsy.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 144.26, Code 2025, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  5A.  a.  The department shall establish procedures to allow for a modification and substitution of a death certificate when a brain autopsy performed by a person or laboratory licensed or authorized by the state to perform an autopsy, or by an accredited medical school located in the United States, provides additional information regarding conditions that may have contributed to a decedent’s death.
   b.  Notwithstanding subsection 4, a modification and substitution of a death certificate under this subsection shall not require a court order if a person applies for the modification and substitution within ten years of the date of the decedent’s death.
   c.  A substituted death certificate under this subsection shall comply with requirements pursuant to sections 144.38 and 144.41.
   d.  The state shall not charge a fee for a modification and substitution of a death certificate under this subsection.
   e.  The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to implement this subsection.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to modification and substitution of a death certificate based on information obtained from a brain autopsy. The bill requires the department of health and human services (HHS) to establish procedures to allow for a modification and substitution of a death certificate when a brain autopsy performed by a person or laboratory licensed or authorized by the state to perform an autopsy, or by an accredited medical school located in the United States, provides additional information regarding conditions that may have contributed to a decedent’s death. A modification and substitution of a death certificate shall not require a court order if a person applies for the modification and substitution within 10 years of the date of the decedent’s death. The bill requires a substituted death certificate to comply with Code sections 144.38 and 144.41, and prohibits the state from charging a fee for a modification and substitution of the death certificate. The bill directs HHS to adopt rules to implement the bill.