NC H331

Authorizes physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) to complete and sign medical certifications for death certificates in North Carolina, with supervising physician approval and responsibility.

Medical certifications by PAs must comply with G.S. 90-18.1(e1) and those by NPs must comply with G.S. 90-18.2(e1), establishing that the supervising physician authorizes and is responsible for the certification.

Allows PAs and NPs to sign death certificates when the attending physician is absent or approves, provided the individual has access to medical history, has viewed the deceased, and the death is from natural causes.

Permits electronic or facsimile signatures from physicians, PAs, or NPs when specifically approved by the State Registrar, consistent with G.S. 66-58.2 electronic signature standards.

Requires medical certifications to be completed within three days of death; applies to certifications signed on or after October 1, 2011.