Certifying a Death in Vermont

Quick Tips

Focus on the basic pathologic condition
ex. "Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease" rather than "Congestive heart failure"

Be Concise

Part I
A. Acute myocardial infarct

Due to, or as a consequence of:
B. Coronary artery atherosclerosis

rather than

Part I
A. Thrombotic occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery of the heart

Report causes; avoid mechanisms

Part I
A. Alcoholic cirrhosis

rather than

Part I
A. Hepatic encephalopathy

Do not use medical slang or jargon.

Part I
A. Cerebral infarct

Due to, or as a consequence of:
B. Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease

rather than

Part I
A. Stroke

Do not abbreviate
Remember most users of Death Certificates have not been to medical school and do not understand some common abbreviations. Abbreviations will not be accepted by the EDRS. If you enter an abbreviation, you will receive a message indicating possible meanings and requesting that you spell out the appropriate term.
Be clear, do not convey confusion

Part I
A. Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease

rather than

Part I
A. Cardiac asystole probably due to heart attack

Avoid vague descriptions (e.g. massive, catastrophic, etc.)
No one wants to die from a little infarct but these terms give no information.

"Old Age" and undetermined natural causes are OK. Although, if you have entered this, be prepared for a phone call from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner asking you to explain the circumstances.

Avoid creating problems or questions

Part I
A. Peritonitis

Due to, or as a consequence of:
B. Perforated colonic diverticulum

rather than

Part I
A. Cardiovascular collapse

Due to, or as a consequence of:
B. Bowel perforation

Separate primary from contributing causes.
(Part II: Other significant conditions contributing to death but not resulting in the underlying cause given in Part I)

Is the case reportable to the Medical Examiner? 1-888-552-2952
All cases that have non-natural contributions, no matter how small or how long ago, must be reported to the Medical Examiner. It is better to ask first than to not report. More details

If you have to complete a certification using a paper copy of the Preliminary Report of Death, be sure to please print legibly in black ink. A good cause of death statement means nothing if it is illegible.
If you have to complete a certification using a paper copy of the Preliminary Report of Death, be sure to clearly print your name below your signature.