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Honorable Eddie G. Shell - Page 3
193.004(a) of the Health and Safety Code requires the person who must file a death certificate to obtain. SUM M A RY Section 671.001(d) of the Health and Safety Code authorizes a registered nurse to pronounce a patient dead if the licensed health care facility that employs the nurse has enacted written policies permitting a registered nurse to do so. However, section 193.004(a) of the Health and Safety Code authorizes only that physician last in attendance on the decedent to provide the required medical certification if the death occurred with medical attendance. Neither a registered nurse nor a justice of the peace is authorized to provide the required medical certification. Yours very truly, Kymberly K. Itrogge Assistant Attorney General Opinion Committee