Following the laying of regulations in April (15 April 2024) to reform death certification in England and Wales, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published guidance for medical practitioners on how to receive the new medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) which will replace the current certificate.

Under the reforms, which come into force on 9 September 2024, all deaths will legally become subject to either a medical examiner’s scrutiny or a coroner’s investigation.

All organisations that currently use MCCDs are advised to read this guidance as soon as possible, and ensure they are registered on the new MCCD distribution list in order to receive the new certificates.

Guidance: Receiving the new medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

New MCCD distribution list: New MCCD: check that your organisation is on the distribution list - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Regulations: Information about changes to the death certification process in England and Wales from 9 September 2024