What are the legal responsibilities of a GP when completing a medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) in primary care?

Legal responsibilities of a general practitioner (GP) when completing a medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) in primary care include:

• The GP must ensure the cause of death is accurately and truthfully recorded based on their clinical knowledge and available medical records.

• The GP is responsible for certifying the death only if they have attended the deceased during their last illness and are satisfied as to the cause of death.

• If the cause of death is uncertain, unnatural, or suspicious, the GP must not complete the MCCD but instead refer the case to the coroner.

• The GP must complete the MCCD promptly to avoid delays in registration and funeral arrangements.

• The GP should maintain clear documentation of the cause of death and any relevant clinical information in the patient’s medical record.

• When controlled drugs are involved in the patient’s care or death, the GP must follow legal requirements for handling and recording these drugs, including liaising with appropriate authorities if necessary.

These responsibilities ensure legal compliance, accurate death certification, and appropriate communication with registrars and coroners in primary care settings.