DPBH made use of the Electronic Death Registry System (EDRS) mandatory on January 1, 2016 by no longer accepting paper forms. The platform that EDRS uses is called the “Vital Records System” (VRS). To gain access, an application and confidentiality agreement must be completed and sent it to the Office of Vital Records, who will then create a username and password and send an email to user with that information along with system download instructions.

However, DPBH has recognized that rural providers are struggling to use the EDRS system to efficiently process death certificates. Because a body cannot be released for funeral/burial/cremation without the signed death certificate, this creates unnecessary anguish for grieving families. Therefore, the Office of Vital Records has developed a solution for rural counties to use while they work to resolve issues with the system.

Instructions have been provided for a workaround titled Certifier Paper Completion 2018. These instructions explain that if a physician or associated individual trying to complete the record is unable to access the system, they may request the funeral home or Office of Vital Records staff to send them a copy of the Decedent Worksheet. The physician or associated individual will complete only the white portion of the form by hand, sign, and send to either the funeral home or Office of Vital Records for completion of the record. Questions on this process should be directed to the Office of Vital Records at (775) 684-4242.