“Culver bill would allow hospice LPNs to legally sign death notices.”

HARRISBURG – A bill introduced by Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) was signed into law this week to allow licensed nurse practitioners (LPNs) working in a hospice to provide dying declarations.

“I am grateful to the governor for supporting this important legislation,” Culver said. “LPNs accompany patients and their families until the moment of death and provide necessary care during emotional times. Allowing LPNs to perform death declarations, something previously only available to doctors, nurses, physician assistants and coroners, can reduce the wait times that grieving families often experience.”

The bill was amended in the House of Representatives to also provide needed clarification regarding waiver of birth and death certificate fees for members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families. The law now specifically specifies which documents are eligible for the exemption, as well as the applicants and cases in which the fee can be waived.

“I commend Rep. Sheryl Delozier for taking the lead on this important amendment,” Culver said. “A communication from the Chancellor to funeral directors last year upended a long-standing statutory benefit for those who have served our country and their families and their amendment rights, which is wrong.”

Culver's Senate Bill 1080 was signed into law as Act 137 of 2024 and takes effect in 60 days.

More information about Culver can be found online at SenatorCulver.com. Residents can follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenCulver and on Instagram at Instagram.com/SenatorCulver for updates on legislative action in Harrisburg and news in the 27th District.

Media contact: Betsy Reichenbach
717-787-8928