What does TIMELY CERTIFICATION OF THE DEATH OF A VETERAN. of Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act do?

This section establishes a process for certifying the death of a veteran by a physician or nurse practitioner employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If a VA physician or nurse practitioner cannot certify a death within 48 hours, a coroner or medical examiner may do so. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit an annual report to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs regarding compliance with the certification process. The report must include the percentage of cases where VA physicians/nurse practitioners complied, the number of non-compliance cases, and the most common reasons for non-compliance. This section clarifies that VA employees are not required to take actions that violate jurisdictional laws, regulations, or requirements.

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Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act

Q: What does Preamble of Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'A BILL To direct a physician or nurse practitioner employed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to certify the death of a veteran not later than 48 hours after such physician or nurse practitioner learns of such death, and for other purposes,' aims to establish a timeframe for death certification by VA healthcare professionals. The bill requires physicians or nurse practitioners employed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to certify a veteran's death within 48 hours of learning about it. The bill's purpose is to direct the certification of veteran deaths and includes 'other purposes' not detailed in this section.

Q: What does SHORT TITLE. of Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act do?

This bill is formally titled the 'Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act'.

Q: What does FINDINGS. of Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act do?

This section establishes findings regarding delays in death certificate signing for veterans. States and counties have reported significant delays in the signing of death certificates for veterans who die from natural causes. These delays are attributed to refusals or postponements by Department of Veterans Affairs physicians. The delays can last up to eight weeks. These delays impede the timely burial of deceased veterans and access to survivor benefits.

Last updated: 3/18/2026 · Introduced: 7/16/2025

Author: John Boozman (R-AR)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill requires physicians and nurse practitioners employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to certify a veteran's death within 48 hours of learning about it.
If a VA physician or nurse practitioner cannot certify a death within 48 hours, a coroner or medical examiner may do so.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must annually report on compliance with the death certification process, including rates of compliance and reasons for non-compliance.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 4398(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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