Fetal death certificates, disposition permits, and certificates of birth resulting in stillbirth all follow state rules, and those rules differ. Choose a state to see the official guidance hospital staff and families need.
Documentation and continuity is one of eight domains in the free readiness self-assessment. See how your unit scores across all eight, then use the Program Resources directory to close the gaps.
Guidance listed here is published by state health departments, state vital records offices, and in a few cases a state hospital association or academic medical center. Bereavement Ready links to it as a convenience; these organizations have not reviewed or endorsed this page. Rules, forms, and fees change. Confirm current requirements with your state vital records office before acting. This page is not legal advice.
Guidance current as of October 18, 2026. Each state is rechecked regularly. To share your state's guide or report a broken link, email hello@bereavementstandard.org.