New Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) legal guidance published last week warns that breaching death and cremation certification rules will no longer be regarded as a matter for professional regulation, to be dealt with by the GMC, but as a potential criminal offence.
A doctor who fails to fulfil his or her obligations under the Cremation Act 1902 and associated rules could be jailed for up to two years.
In cases where a coroner has not ordered a post mortem, there is a three-step procedure before a cremation can take place:
- The doctor certifying a death completes form B. He or she must have viewed the body of the deceased.
- A confirmatory medical certificate, form C, is issued after a further examination by a second doctor, who must have been registered for at least five years, must not be a partner of, or related to the first doctor and must not be related to the deceased.
- The medical referee then checks forms B and C before issuing form F, the authority to cremate.
A doctor who signs form C without viewing the deceased commits the offence of "wilfully making a false declaration, or representation, or signing or uttering any false certificate with a view to procuring the burning of any human remains".
Completing forms B and C without inspecting the body – which CCTV could confirm – is an offence under Section 8 of the Cremation Act of 1902.
Doctors who do not follow the correct procedures would also be breaching GMC guidelines on probity. These state: 'You must do your best to make sure that any documents you write or sign are not false or misleading.'
The guidance for prosecutors follows a CPS policy review on the issue and is also in line with guidance issued by the BMA’s Forensic Medicine Committee. The government is also reviewing death certification and cremation certification following the inquiry into the actions of serial killer GP Harold Shipman.
ACTION: Ensure that you know and follow regulations set out in the Cremation Act 1902 – in particular the requirements for viewing the deceased prior to signing forms B and C.
Dr George Fernie, medico-legal adviser, MDDUS
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
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