Michigan’s Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS) provides a secure, web-based environment that supports online collaboration, from the creation of records to the production of certified copies. EDRS allows funeral homes, medical certifiers, medical examiners, and registrars offices to complete death certificates online, securely, faster, and with fewer errors than on paper, 24 hours a day.

Jeff Duncan, PhD, State Registrar and Director, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, has written an article about the importance of the Michigan Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS). Timely knowledge of cause of death data assists in the identification of and response to deadly outbreaks of disease. Having recent and frequently updated information on the rates and demographic breakdown of causes of death allows for more responsive health program planning and policy implementation. Physicians can help in this public health effort by writing accurate cause of death statements and using EDRS to file death records. Access the article here.