Procedures
I would like to set the record straight regarding Larry E. Hawkins’ letter (“Falsified Death Certificatesâ€) published on Oct. 14.
Hawkins’ letter states that I have “ . . . Allowed every county health department in this state to make, or interpret at will, its own regulations.†On the contrary, I hold annual workshops to train county registration staffs in appropriate and uniform death registration procedures. I have published a handbook of these procedures, and supplement this with both letters updating the procedures and periodic newsletters to local registrars. My goal is, and continues to be, a uniform death registration system statewide as required by state law.
DAVID MITCHELL
Chief, Office of State Registrar
California Department of Health Services
Sacramento
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