A. A fetal death certificate for each fetal death which occurs in this state shall be filed with the State Department of Health, within three (3) days after such delivery.

B. The funeral director or person acting as such who first assumes custody of a fetus shall file the fetal death certificate. In the absence of such a person, the physician or other person in attendance at or after the delivery shall file the certificate of fetal death. He or she shall obtain the personal data from the next of kin or the best qualified person or source available. He or she shall complete the certificate as to personal data and deliver the certificate to that person responsible for completing the medical certification of cause of death within twenty-four (24) hours after delivery.

C. The medical certification shall be completed and signed within forty-eight (48) hours after delivery by the physician in attendance at or after delivery, except when inquiry into the cause of death is required by Section 938 of this title.

Historical Data

Laws 1963, SB 26, c. 325, art. 3, § 318; Amended by Laws 1978, SB 514, c. 110, § 3, eff. October 1, 1978; Amended by Laws 2011, HB 1397, c. 105, § 10, eff. November 1, 2011 (superseded document available); Amended by Laws 2025, HB 1688, c. 58, § 7, emerg. eff. July 1, 2025 (superseded document available).