Death Certificate Training
APRN Death Certificate Training
Educational module, statutory requirements, electronic registration system (WV DAVE) resources, and completion verification for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in West Virginia.
Statutory Requirement: Pursuant to West Virginia Code § 30-7-15d(a)(1), only Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who have completed this training may sign death certificates. Training is only required if you intend to sign death certificates. All registered nurses may complete this training for independent study credit in the subject area of legal aspects of professional nursing.
Required Training Module & Presentation
- Death Certificate Education: Introduction & Objectives (PDF)
- Required Presentation: Completing the Death Certificate (PDF)
Attestation Required: You must view the presentation and complete the attestation to have your name added to the official completion list. Please allow a few business days after completion for your name to appear on the list.
WV DAVE Electronic System & Support
- Help Desk Phone: 304-558-2931 — Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET, Monday–Friday (excluding state holidays)
- Help Desk Email: wvdave@wv.gov
- Medical Certifiers New User Enrollment in DAVE Guide
- WV DHHR Bureau for Public Health — Health Statistics Center (sign-in required)
CDC & National Certification Resources
- CDC Physicians' Handbook on Medical Certification of Death
- Instructions for Completing the Cause-of-Death Section of the Death Certificate
- Possible Solutions to Common Problems in Death Certification
- Improving Cause of Death Reporting Course (CDC)
- National Association of Medical Examiners — Death Certification Reporting
- Quick Tips on Writing Cause of Death Statements
- Publications for Mortality Data