Government Relations

Acts Review Committee Report May 20,2011

The Acts Review sub-committee of the Government Relations Committee was established this past year to  review the provincial legislation regulating the provision of funeral services including transportation of the dead, cremation, disinterment, post-mortem examinations, and organ and tissue donations. The aim of this committee is to establish a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of funeral directors in providing these services and to share this information with the membership. Thank you to the membership for submitting your challenges and concerns relative to the provision of the service outline above. The committee presented your concerns to staff at the office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Following two very productive meetings, a round table session with the Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Bowes was organized and hosted by this committee at the Best Western Chocolate Lake, St. Margaret's Bay Rd, Halifax, NS. A question and answer period followed. It is evident that the number of autopsied in the Province of Nova Scotia will increase. However, many of the autopsies ordered will be "virtual autopsied" and will not require transporting the remains to Halifax for examination. As a result of the discussions with Dr. Bowes, a protocol that allows for more than open communication with receiving funeral home in cases requiring further examination prior to the release of human tissue and organs was outlined. We are confident that this collegial relationship will continue. The committee discussed also with both the office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Deputy Registrar General, Vital Statistics issues related to the registration of death. The Deputy Registrar's presentation tomorrow, on the electronic registration of death should correct some of the issues raised by membership. The ad-hoc committee members have joined the newly formed Government Relations Committee as it supports the Acts Review Committee objectives and will ensure that a review of the Provincial Legislation is on-going.

Respectfully submitted

Lisa C. Smith, Chair