EDEN system enhancements
General implementation and compliance
When do these EDEN changes become effective?
All changes mandated by HB 493 are effective on December 3, 2025 at 5 p.m. MST.
What is the most critical immediate change for certifiers?
The requirement to choose a cause of death from a standardized list of ICD-10 codes.
What is the deadline for filing a death certificate?
The death certificate must be filed within five days (120 hours) from the time of death, as required by Utah law.
Where can I find more information on Cause of Death ICD-10 codes?
The official instructional manuals for classifying causes of death are available on the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) website at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/instruction-manuals.htm
What are the legal ramifications of signing a death certificate? What if I am uncomfortable certifying?
Utah Code 26B-8-214 stipulates that a healthcare provider shall certify the cause of death to the best of their professional knowledge and belief. Adhering to this approach carries no legal ramifications. Should you require guidance on signing or feel uncomfortable signing due to concerns about a non-natural death, you may contact the OME for review.
Cause of death entry and real-time feedback
Why am I now required to use ICD-10 codes?
The system now requires selection from a standardized ICD-10 list to improve the accuracy and quality of death records. This function is also needed for the system's new real-time review functionality.
What should I do if the system triggers a real-time feedback or OME review notification?
Stop and carefully review the flagged section. These notifications occur when the system believes the death could possibly fall under OME jurisdiction (per Utah Code 26B-8-205) and may require additional review. After reviewing the section, correct information or provide additional details if necessary.
If the real-time feedback triggers an OME review, should I change the Cause of Death to something less accurate to bypass the review?
No. Knowingly making a false entry on a government record is a serious legal offense, classified as a Class B misdemeanor (Utah Code § 76-8-511), and can lead to criminal and civil penalties. Always prioritize accuracy and compliance.
Does an OME alert automatically mean the Medical Examiner will take jurisdiction?
No. The alert is a notification based on the data you’ve entered. It requires you to confirm or correct the information. If the death is clearly under OME jurisdiction, you must acknowledge the review process.
How long does a secondary review by the OME take before a permit is issued?
OME reviews can range from a day to several days to even weeks, depending on the complexity of the case. A comprehensive review may involve examining EMS reports and medical records, as well as consulting with law enforcement, next of kin, and the signing provider.
Reporting any death that may fall under OME jurisdiction (per Utah Code 26B-8-205) at the time of death may dramatically reduce review times. If this is not possible, please report as soon as possible.
Permits and fees
Will the new system speed up the issuance of cremation permits?
Yes. The system will bypass the secondary review by the OME under certain circumstances, which should speed up the insurance of permits to render a Dead Body Unavailable for Postmortem Investigation (e.g., cremation permit). The system will make sure when the certificate is complete and correct, and the death does not fall under OME jurisdiction before bypassing the secondary review.
Why did I receive an advisory about a potential fee upon submission?
The advisory is mandatory for dispositions that render the body unavailable for postmortem review (cremation, out-of-state removal). A fee may be required under Section 26B-8-230.
Where can families find the current fee schedule?
Direct families to the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics website: https://vitalrecords.utah.gov/.