Death and end of life
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Funeral directors: draft code of practice
The draft statutory code of practice for funeral directors (updated January 2023) will be key to underpinning the statutory inspection of funeral directors in Scotland. Funeral directors will be inspected against this code once it comes into force.
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Cremation: statutory forms
Statutory forms and related guidance to be used as a requirement of the Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 2019 which came into force on 4 April 2019.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): transfer of medical certificates of cause of death - guidance for doctors
Guidance for medical practitioners on the electronic transfer of medical certificates of cause of death (MCCD) from health services to registrars and next of kin during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Record your organ and tissue donation decision
Six months since opt out system introduced.
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Steps to increase organ transplants
Plan sets out key priorities.
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Organ and tissue donation: agreement between the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Donation and Transplant Group
This agreement updates the 2017 version by setting out the procedures to follow to seek consent from a Procurator Fiscal for deceased organ or tissue donation to proceed in cases where a death needs to be reported to the Procurator Fiscal service.
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Funeral Director - Code of Practice: consultation analysis
Analysis of the consultation carried out between June and September 2019 on the proposed Funeral Director: Code of Practice.
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Organ and tissue donation law change
Raising awareness of opt out system.
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Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Specified Type B Procedures) (Scotland) Regulations: analysis of consultation responses
Analysis of responses to a consultation held on the proposed content of the Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Specified Type B Procedures) (Scotland) Regulations.
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Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 2019: guidance
The Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 2019 provide a detailed framework for the provision of cremation services.
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Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Specified Type B Procedures) (Scotland) Regulations: consultation
We are seeking views on medical procedures proposed to be specified as Type B pre-death procedures, alongside how they may be authorised and what conditions may be applied to them. Pre-death procedures are the medical procedures carried out to increase the likelihood of successful transplantation.
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Organ and tissue donation opt out system
New law comes into effect next March.
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Coronavirus Act 2020 (C.7): determination under paragraph 9(1) of part 2 of Schedule 14 (Cremations)
Determination under para 9(1) of the Coronavirus Act 2020 suspending the duties in relation to handling ashes that are normally placed on funeral directors, cremation authorities and local authorities.
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Coronavirus Act 2020 (C.7): determination under paragraph 8(1) of Schedule 14 (Cremations)
Determination under para 8(1) of the Coronavirus Act 2020 relaxing arrangements around who can arrange a funeral.
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New process for reporting COVID-19 deaths
New system in place.
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Coronavirus Act 2020 (C.7): direction under paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 14
Direction under Paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 14 (Review of medical certificates of cause of death and cremations: Scotland) of the Coronavirus Act 2020 (C.7).
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Funeral Support Payment to be increased
Extra help to pay for funerals.
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Fewer deaths in winter 2018-19
A National Statistics publication for Scotland.
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New funeral payment launches
Scottish Government delivering sixth social security benefit.
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New funeral benefit to launch
Improved financial support to help with bereavement costs
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Regulatory model including Progressive Licensing scheme for Funeral Directors: report to Scottish Ministers
Report on the introduction of a regulatory model including Progressive Licensing scheme for Funeral Directors in Scotland.
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Planning your own funeral: guide
Guide to planning your own funeral including help with costs.
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Opt-out system for donation gets go-ahead
Human Tissue law passes Stage 3.
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Funeral costs: guidance
Guidance on funeral costs published under Section 98 of the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016.
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Funeral cost guidance published
Recommendations to make clear cost information available.
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Infant cremation code of practice: third edition (2019)
Key principles and minimum standards for all organisations conducting infant cremations in Scotland, as agreed by the National Committee on Burial and Cremation. This edition reflects the implementation of the Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 2019.
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Organ and tissue donation changes
Latest on proposed opt-out system.
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Organ donor support rising
Scotland’s organ donor registrations reaches half the population.
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Changing organ and tissue donation
Legislation for a soft opt out system introduced to Parliament.
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Child burial and cremation fees to end
Agreement will remove financial burden from families
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