Each spontaneous fetal death of 350 grams or more, or in the absence of weight, of 20 completed week's gestation or more, calculated from the date the last normal menstrual period began to the date of delivery, which occurs in this State shall be reported within 3 days after delivery to the Office of Vital Statistics by filing a report of fetal death. Induced terminations of pregnancy shall not be reported as spontaneous fetal deaths. The report of fetal death is the official record of birth and death for the fetal death. (1) When a fetal death occurs in an institution, and the death is attended by a physician or advanced practice registered nurse/certified nurse midwife (APRN/CNM), the report of fetal death shall be prepared by a hospital clerk or head of admissions and shall be filed with the Office of Vital Statistics, or as otherwise directed by the State Registrar, within 3 days after delivery or as soon as possible thereafter but prior to final disposition of the dead body. (2) When a fetal death occurs outside an institution, only a physician may sign a report of fetal death. The physician shall file the report of fetal death with the Office of Vital Statistics, or as otherwise directed by the State Registrar, within 3 days after delivery or as soon as possible thereafter but prior to final disposition of the dead body. (3) When a fetal death occurs without medical attendance at or shortly after the delivery, in a moving conveyance and the fetus is first removed from the conveyance in this State, the place of fetal death is unknown, the Division of Forensic Science shall conduct an investigation to determine the cause and manner of the fetal death and the medical examiner shall file the report of fetal death.
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