(Wyoming) – Increased use of an online registration system for death notices will help smooth the process for loved ones following the passing of a family member, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH).
Vital Statistic Services (VSS), part of WDH, has had an online registration system since 2009. “This system allows funeral homes, hospitals, doctors, coroners and others to file, check and change death registrations online,” said Guy Beaudoin, deputy state registrar with WDH.
Beginning August 1, VSS will only accept death filings submitted electronically.
“Currently, 96 percent of funeral homes and about 70 percent of physicians throughout the state use this system to complete death filings electronically,” Beaudoin said. Vital Statistics Services will be working with funeral homes, medical offices and hospital administrators as needed to help them make the transition to electronic filing.
“Reducing the need for mailed paper documents can shorten the time family members must wait to receive the death documentation they often need to file for financial benefits such as insurance,” Beaudoin said.
Beaudoin noted the online system allows nearly immediate notification to the Social Security Administration regarding deaths, which can help avoid situations where family members must try to refund payments made by the federal government after someone has passed away.
State law requires death notices be filed with the state within three days of a death.
Family members can find details about ordering death certificates, which are certified, printed documents, by visiting http://www.health.wyo.gov/rfhd/vital_records/certificate.html online. VSS can only issue certified copies of certificates for events that occurred within Wyoming.
For more information, please contact VSS at 307-777-6042.
–Wyoming Department of Health-