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Electronic Death Registration System:
Remote Physician Attestation By Scott A. Morrow, M.D.
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The California Department of Health Services began implementation of an Electronic Death Registration System (CA-EDRS) in January 2005. There are now two new methods to make it easier for you to certify the causes of death as they appear on the death certificate. Both Voice and Fax Attestation methods replace the pen signature. It is the San Mateo County Health Department’s goal to become fully electronic with this system and the Department encourages all physicians from within our county involved in death certificate attestation to use these new, easier methods. The system is automatic; the forms will be faxed to the appropriate physician’s office. The physician then can choose whether to use the Voice or the Fax Attestation method. Fax Attestation This method for medically certifying the causes of death requires the physician to merely sign the attestation copy faxed to you along with an instruction sheet by the funeral director or decedent affairs office using an option from the CA-EDRS system. After you receive the faxed attestation copy, sign on the attestation copy (which looks just like the death certificate) with your signature in the usual place. Then, you (or a member of your staff) fax back the form to the toll free CA-EDRS fax server number shown on the instruction sheet. Voice Attestation This method for medically certifying the causes of death requires you to follow the instructions under VOICE OPTION on the instruction sheet. After you receive the faxed attestation copy, you must call the toll free CA-EDRS number indicated on the instruction sheet and follow the prompts provided by the interactive voice response system. This new system will make your role in the death registration process much easier than in the past. I encourage you to check out the EDRS Web site www.edrs.us for additional information or contact the Application Support Desk at the CA-EDRS Project Office, 916-734-8727, if you have questions or concerns. Dr. Morrow is the health office of San Mateo County.
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