The VFDA 2026 Legislative Agenda includes legislation that addresses Timely Signing of Death Certificates by those authorized and obligated to medically certify the cause of death to complete a death certificate. Many funeral service licensees are continuing to struggle to get a physician or autonomous nurse practitioner who is responsible for medically certifying a death certificate to do so in a timely manner. The Virginia Code, §32.1-263 paragraph C, requires that this be done within 24 hours via EDRS except in defined circumstances. HB156 (Krizek) and SB194 (Williams Graves), addresses the situation by requiring those responsible for medically certifying a death certificate take a CEU on the electronic death registration system (EDRS) and attest acknowledgement of the requirements when renewing their license to practice. Already there is opposition by the medical profession on this proposed legislation. We are requesting that funeral service licensees who have had issues getting death certificates medically certified share their stories about how it has affected the families, the funeral service establishments and others, when a required physician or autonomous nurse practitioner has failed to execute their required portion of the death certificate. Items such as: Delay in burial or cremation Delay in receiving benefits (life insurance, Social Security, etc.) Added expenses for delayed funeral (keeping decedent’s body in refrigeration longer than necessary, additional travel / lodging expenses, etc.) Also, if you will please share the longest amount of time you have waited and the story about what you had to do to finally get it signed, it will be appreciated. Please send your stories to our lobbyists, abezik@principle-advantage.com, for inclusion in information they will provide to legislators. Please let us know if you will email your legislators to let them know you would like their support. You can find your legislator by entering your address at the WHO’S MY LEGISLATOR page. Thank you in advance for what I hope is your favorable response. Sincerely, Gregg VFDA  President