Death Certificates: What Family Physicians Need to Know on Recent Changes

Date & Time

Monday, August 10, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m.

Location / Format

Virtual (connection details will be emailed to registrants)

Cost

Free to attend for MAFP Active and Resident members.
Advance registration required.

Overview

On March 17, 2026, House Bills 4077 and 4078 were signed into law, modernizing and streamlining Michigan’s death certificate certification and filing process. These laws aim to reduce administrative burden, define the legal responsibility for attending physicians and medical examiners and support grieving families. This program will review the state's online Electronic Death Registration System, who is authorized to sign, outline statutory requirements, and identify common errors to avoid. 

Presenter

Patrick Hansma, DO
Medical Examiner – Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, Grand Traverse, Kalamazoo, Leelanau, Mason, Muskegon, Osceola, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties
Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program Director
Assistant Professor – Department of Pathology
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

CME

The AAFP has reviewed Death Certificates: What Family Physicians Need to Know on Recent Changes and deemed it acceptable for up to 1.00 Live AAFP Prescribed credit(s). Term of Approval is from 08/10/2026 to 08/10/2026. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This event meets the State of Michigan’s medical ethics training requirement.