American Nurses Association Supports California Bill AB 583 (Pellerin): Death Certificates

California AB 583 NP Death Certificate Ltr_2025.06.06.pdf

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June 6, 2025

The Honorable Caroline Menjivar

Chair, Senate Health Committee

1021 O Street, Suite 3310

Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: AB 583 (Pellerin): Death Certificates – Support

Dear Chair Menjivar,

On behalf of the American Nurses Association (ANA), I respectfully urge you to support the passage of AB 583, allowing nurse practitioners (NPs) to sign death certificates.

This legislation, supported by ANA\California, is essential to align California’s Health and Safety Code with the provisions of AB 890, which granted NPs full practice authority and is effective January 2026. This is not just a matter of scope of practice, it is a matter of compassion, equity, and access.

AB 583 brings California law in line with over 40 other states, ensuring timely, compassionate care when families need it most.

When NPs serve as primary care providers, families should not face unnecessary delays or bureaucratic barriers in obtaining a loved one’s death certificate. Without this legislation, families may be forced to endure avoidable and painful setbacks in arranging funeral services, accessing life insurance or pension benefits, and completing legal and financial tasks during an already difficult time. These delays add emotional distress, prolong the grieving process, and create inequities for patients who rely on NPs as their trusted health care providers.

Thank you for your consideration and we urge you to support AB 583.

Sincerely,

Tim Nanof, MSW, Executive Vice President, Policy & Government Affairs

American Nurses Association