State of Wyoming

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Department of Health

 

 

 

 

Rules and Regulations for

Vital Records Services

 

Chapters 1 through 14

 

 

 

Brent D. Sherard, M.D., M.P.H., Director and State Health Officer

 

 

 

February 2008

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State of Wyoming

Department of Health

 

 

 

 

Rules and Regulations for

Vital Records Services

 

Chapters 1 - 14

 

 

 

 

 

Rules and Regulations for Vital Records Services

Preventive Health and Safety Division

 

 

 

Additional information and copies may be obtained from:

Vital Records Services

Wyoming Department of Health

172 Hathaway Building

Cheyenne, WY  82002

307-777-6040

307-777-7439 (Fax)

gbreed@health.wyo.gov

 

 

 

 

 

This document is available in alternative format upon request.

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

CHAPTER 1

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 1.        Authority.................................................................................................. 1-1

Section 2.        General Provisions................................................................................... 1-1

Section 3.        Definitions............................................................................................... 1-1

Section 4.        Official Forms......................................................................................... 1-3

Section 5.        Requirements for Preparation of Certificates......................................... 1-3

 

CHAPTER 2

 

LOCAL REGISTRARS

 

Section 1.        Appointment............................................................................................ 2-1

Section 2.        Removal................................................................................................... 2-1

Section 3.        Duties....................................................................................................... 2-1

Section 4.        Absence.................................................................................................... 2-1

Section 5.        Resignation.............................................................................................. 2-1

 

CHAPTER 3

 

BIRTH REGISTRATION

 

Section 1.        General Requirements............................................................................. 3-1

Section 2.        Name of Father on Birth Certificate....................................................... 3-2

Section 3.        Infants of Unknown Parentage................................................................ 3-3

 

CHAPTER 4

 

SUBSTITUTION OF BIRTH CERTIFICATES

 

Section 1.        Adoptions................................................................................................. 4-1

Section 2.        Legitimation............................................................................................ 4-2

Section 3.        Court Determination of Paternity............................................................ 4-3

Section 4.        Acknowledgment of Paternity................................................................. 4-3

Section 5.        Foreign Born Adoptions.......................................................................... 4-4

 


CHAPTER 5

 

DEATH REGISTRATION

 

Section 1.        Responsibility for Filing......................................................................... 5-1

Section 2.        Medical Certification.............................................................................. 5-1

Section 3.        Time Limits............................................................................................. 5-2

Section 4.        Presumptive Death................................................................................... 5-2

 

CHAPTER 6

 

STILLBIRTH REGISTRATION

 

Section 1.        Responsibility for Filing......................................................................... 6-1

Section 2.        Medical Certification.............................................................................. 6-1

Section 3.        Parentage on Stillbirth Certificate.......................................................... 6-1

Section 4.        Time Limits............................................................................................. 6-2

 

CHAPTER 7

 

BURIAL-TRANSIT AND DISINTERMENT PERMITS

 

Section 1.        Permit Required - Time Limit................................................................. 7-1

Section 2.        Removal of Body..................................................................................... 7-1

Section 3.        Issuance of Permit prior to Filing of Certificate..................................... 7-1

Section 4.        Retention of Burial-Transit Permits........................................................ 7-1

Section 5.        Disinterment Permits............................................................................... 7-1

 

CHAPTER 8

 

MARRIAGE REGISTRATION

 

Section 1.        County Clerk’s Responsibility................................................................ 8-1

Section 2.        Officiant’s Responsibility....................................................................... 8-1

 

CHAPTER 9

 

DIVORCE REGISTRATION

 

Section 1.        Responsibility of the Clerk of District Court.......................................... 9-1

Section 2.        Time Limitations..................................................................................... 9-1

 


CHAPTER 10

 

CORRECTIONS AND AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1.        General Provisions for Amendments within the First Year................. 10-1

Section 2.        General Provisions for Amendments after the First Year.................... 10-1

Section 3.        Amendments by Court Order................................................................ 10-3

Section 4.        Birth Certificate Correction.................................................................. 10-3

Section 5.        Death Certificate Correction................................................................. 10-5

Section 6.        Marriage Certificate Correction............................................................ 10-5

Section 7.        Divorce Certificate Correction.............................................................. 10-6

 

CHAPTER 11

 

DELAYED REGISTRATION

 

Section 1.        Births...................................................................................................... 11-1

Section 2.        Deaths.................................................................................................... 11-3

Section 3.        Marriage................................................................................................. 11-4

 

CHAPTER 12

 

DISCLOSURE OF VITAL RECORDS

 

Section 1.        Requests - Who May Have Copies........................................................ 12-1

Section 2.        Confidentiality....................................................................................... 12-2

Section 3.        Verifications.......................................................................................... 12-3

Section 4.        Research Purposes................................................................................. 12-3

Section 5.        Administrative Purposes....................................................................... 12-3

Section 6.        Misrepresentation or Fraud................................................................... 12-3

Section 7.        Local Registrars..................................................................................... 12-3

 

CHAPTER 13

 

COPIES OF VITAL RECORDS

 

Section 1.        Types of Copies..................................................................................... 13-1

Section 2.        Certification........................................................................................... 13-1

 


CHAPTER 14

 

FEES

 

Section 1.        Advance Payment, Copies for Government Use,

                        Replacement Copies.............................................................................. 14-1

Section 2.        Surcharge for Wyoming Children’s Trust Fund................................... 14-1

Section 3.        Fees for Services.................................................................................... 14-1

 


Vital Records Services

 

Intent to Adopt Amended Rule

 

 

Statement of Reasons

 

The Wyoming Department of Health proposes to adopt the following Amended Rule to comply with the provisions of W.S. 35-1-401 through 428, and the Wyoming Administrative Procedures Act at W.S. 16-3-101, et seq.

 

The Wyoming Department of Health is amending this Rule because of the Expense Organization narrative 2007-2008 Biennium Budget, which states that the office set fees to offset its cost of operation, fees charged for certified copies and deposited to the general fund will be increased to approximate the additional $120,000.00 general fund appropriation.  This will require a fee increase of $1.00 per certified copy.

 

As required by W.S. 16-3-103(a)(1)(G), the changes to Vital Records Services Rules and Regulations for the Wyoming Department of Health meet minimum substantive state statutory requirements.

 

 


CHAPTER 1

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 1.        Authority.  The State Registrar of Vital Records, pursuant to W.S. § 35-1-404(a) of the Vital Records Act is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for carrying out the purpose of the act.  (W.S. § 35-1-401 to 35-1-431).

 

Section 2.        General Provisions

 

(a)       The State Registrar of Vital Records may issue manuals, bulletins, or both, to interpret the provisions of these rules.  Such manuals and bulletins shall be consistent with and reflect the policies contained in these rules.  The provisions contained in manuals or bulletins shall be subordinate to the provisions of these rules.

 

(b)       The incorporation by reference of any external standard is intended to be the incorporation of that standard as it is in effect on the effective date of these rules.

 

Section 3.        Definitions.  The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of these rules.  Where the context in which words are used in these rules indicates that such is the intent, words in the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa.  Throughout these rules gender pronouns are used interchangeably except where the context dictates otherwise.  The drafters have attempted to utilize each gender pronoun in equal numbers, in random distribution.  Words in each gender shall include individuals of the other gender.

 

(a)       "Attendant at birth" means the person who assists the mother in giving birth.

 

(b)       "Certificate" means a form provided by Vital Records Services for the registration of a birth, death, stillbirth, marriage, divorce or foreign-born adoption.

 

(c)       "Certified copy" means any reproduction of a vital record bearing the seal of Vital Records Services and the signature of the State Registrar or that of a designated representative, or the authorized facsimile thereof.

 

(d)       "Certifier" means the person who signs the birth certificate attesting to the time, date, and place of the birth or the person who signs the death certificate attesting to the time, date, place, and cause of death.

 

(e)       "Court of competent jurisdiction" means a Wyoming district court, a court of comparable jurisdiction in another state, or a federal court.

 


(f)        "Dead body" means a lifeless human body, or such severed parts of the human body, or the bones thereof, from the state of which it reasonably may be concluded that death occurred.

 

(g)       "Delayed certificate" means a certificate of a birth, death or marriage registered one year or more after the date of the occurrence, which is prepared and filed by the State Registrar.

 

(h)       "Deputy local registrar" means the person appointed by the State Registrar to perform the duties of the local registrar in the absence or incapacity of the local registrar.

 

(i)        "Documentary evidence" means an original, official, or legal paper which is used to furnish proof for correcting a certificate or for establishing a delayed certificate.  It includes, but is not limited to census, hospital, and school records.

 

(j)        "Filing" means the presentation of a certificate, of a birth, death, stillbirth, marriage, or divorce for registration by Vital Records Services.

 

(k)       "Final disposition" means the burial, interment, cremation, or other disposition of a dead body or stillbirth.

 

(l)        "Form" means any document with blanks for the insertion of details or information, supplied or approved by Vital Records Services for use in the vital records system.

 

(m)      "Foundling" means a living child of unknown parentage.

 

(n)       "Health care facility" means any establishment, public or private, which provides in-patient or out-patient medical care.

 

(o)       "Immediate family" means the mother, father, child or spouse of the deceased person.

 

(p)       "Informant" means the person supplying the personal information regarding the registrant required by a birth or death certificate.

 

(q)       "Legal age" means the statutory age of majority.

 

(r)        "Legal parents" means those parents recognized as such under law.

 

(s)        "Live birth" means the complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of a fetus which, after such expulsion or extraction, breathes or shows any other evidence of life such as beating of the heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, whether or not the umbilical cord has been cut or the placenta is attached.

 


(t)        "Local registrar" means the person appointed by the State Registrar to promote and supervise vital registration in his assigned registration district.

 

(u)       "Natural father" means the biological father.

 

(v)       "Natural parents" means the biological parents.

 

(w)      "Next of kin" means the surviving spouse of the decedent, or if there is no surviving spouse, the closest living relative.

 

(x)       "Personal particulars" means any of the following items  required  on a  birth  certificate: parent's  state of birth, parent's date of birth, parent's age at the time of the child's birth, mother's residence.

 

(y)       "Physician" means a person authorized or licensed to practice medicine as provided by law.

 

(z)       "Registrant" means the person to whom the certificate pertains.

 

(aa)      "Registration" means the acceptance by Vital Records Services and the incorporation in its official records of certificates of births, deaths, stillbirths, marriages, and divorces.

 

(bb)     "Stillbirth" means a birth after twenty (20) completed weeks gestation in which the child shows no evidence of life after complete birth.

 

(cc)      "System of vital records" includes the registration, collection, preservation, amendment, and certification of vital records and activities related thereto including the tabulation, analysis, and publication of statistical data derived from such records.

 

(dd)     "Vital records" means certificates of birth, death, stillbirth, marriage, and divorce; other forms used in the vital records system; and data relating thereto.

 

(ee)      "Vital Records Services" means the state office established by the Department of Health to operate the system of vital records throughout the state.

 

Section 4.        Official Forms.  All forms and certificates used in the system of vital records are the property of Vital Records Services and shall be surrendered to the State Registrar of Vital Records upon request.  Only those forms prescribed or approved and distributed by the State Registrar of Vital Records shall be used in the reporting of vital statistics.  Such forms shall be used only for prescribed purposes.

 

Section 5.        Requirements for Preparation of Certificates.  All certificates and forms relating to vital records must either be prepared on a typewriter with a black ribbon or printed legibly in black, non-fading ink.  All signatures required shall be entered in black,


non-fading ink.  Unless otherwise directed by the State Registrar, a certificate shall not be accepted for registration that:

 

(a)       Does not supply all items of information called for or satisfactorily account for their omission;

 

(b)       Does not have the certifier's name typed or printed legibly in the space provided;

 

(c)       Contains alterations or erasures;

 

(d)       Does not contain signatures as required;

 

(e)       Is a copy;

 

(f)        Is prepared on a form not prescribed or approved and distributed by the State Registrar;

 

(g)       Contains incorrect or inconsistent data;

 

(h)       Contains an indefinite cause of death.

 


CHAPTER 2

 

LOCAL REGISTRARS

 

Section 1.        Appointment.  Each local registrar or deputy local registrar of vital records shall be appointed by the State Registrar and notified of the appointment in writing.  Such appointment shall remain in effect until the local registrar resigns or is removed as provided for in Section 2.

 

Section 2.         Removal.  The local registrar or the deputy local registrar of vital records may be removed by the State Registrar for reasonable cause, including but not limited to failure to carry out the provisions of the vital records act or applicable regulations.  Notification of such action shall be in writing and shall be sent to the person so removed by certified mail.

 

Section 3.        Duties.  Local registrars shall serve as agents of the State Registrar of Vital Records in their registration districts and shall:

 

(a)       Maintain an adequate inventory of all forms prescribed or approved and distributed by the State Registrar of Vital Records and supply these to such persons requiring them;

 

(b)       Notify the person responsible for the filing when any certificate submitted for registration is not completed in accordance with these rules and request proper completion;

 

(c)       Sign each certificate of birth, death, and stillbirth and enter the date each certificate is received;

 

(d)       Complete a transmittal form to accompany each shipment of certificates sent to the State Registrar;

 

(e)       Provide assistance to physicians, health care facilities, funeral directors and others in matters related to the system of vital records;

 

(f)        Provide assistance to the certifier of a home birth in filing a birth certificate.

 

Section 4.  Absence.  The local registrar shall notify the deputy local registrar of  her absence or incapacity unless unable to do so.  The deputy local registrar shall thereupon immediately assume all duties and responsibilities of the local registrar.  In case of any extended absence, the State Registrar shall be notified in writing by the local registrar or deputy local registrar.

 

Section 5.  Resignation.  A local registrar or a deputy local registrar shall submit his resignation in writing to the State Registrar of Vital Records.


CHAPTER 3

 

BIRTH REGISTRATION

 

            Section 1.        General Requirements.

 

            (a)       For births which occur in a health care facility, the person in charge or that person’s representative shall secure all necessary information and signatures on the certificate.

 

            (b)       For births which occur either in a health care facility or en route to a health care facility, the physician in attendance shall certify the facts of birth and provide the medical information required by the certificate within seven (7) days after birth.  If the attendant has not signed the certificate within seven (7) days of the date of the birth, the person in charge of the institution or a designated representative shall complete and sign the certificate.

 

            (c)       When a birth occurs outside a health care facility, the certificate shall be prepared and filed by one of the following in the indicated order of priority:

 

                        (i)        The physician in attendance at or immediately after the birth, or in the absence of such a person;

 

                        (ii)       Any other person in attendance at or immediately after the birth; or

 

                        (iii)      The father, the mother, or in the absence of the father and the inability of the mother, the person in charge of the premises where the birth occurred.

 

            (d)       The informant, preferably the mother (or the father, or another adult having personal knowledge of the facts concerning the birth) is responsible for providing the facts and signing the hospital worksheet to certify that the information is correct. 

 

            (e)       All certificates of birth shall be filed with the local registrar within ten (10) days.

 

            (f)        If the birth certificate is filed after ten (10) days, but within one (1) year from the date of birth, the State Registrar of Vital Records may require documentary evidence supporting the facts of birth.  This evidence may include evidence of the pregnancy, evidence that the infant was born alive, and evidence that the mother was present in the state on the date of birth.

 

            Section 2.        Name of Father on Birth Certificate.

 

            (a)       Requirements when the mother was married at the time of conception or birth of the child, or between conception and birth:

 

                        (i)        The husband shall be entered on the birth certificate as the father of the child, unless paternity has been determined otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction; or the husband has signed an affidavit denying that he is the father and the mother and the person to be named as the father have signed an affidavit acknowledging paternity.

 

                        (ii)       If the husband has signed an affidavit denying that he is the father and the mother and another man have signed an affidavit acknowledging paternity, the man signing the affidavit acknowledging paternity shall be listed as the father.

 

                        (iii)      If a court of competent jurisdiction has determined that the husband is not the father of the child and the mother and another man have signed an affidavit acknowledging paternity, the man signing the affidavit acknowledging paternity shall be listed as the father.  A certified copy of the court order must accompany the affidavit acknowledging paternity.

 

                        (iv)      If a court of competent jurisdiction has determined paternity, the information stated in the court order concerning the father shall be listed on the birth certificate.  A certified copy of the court order must be forwarded to Vital Records Services.

 

            (b)       If the mother was not married at the time of conception or birth of the child or between conception and birth, the name of the father shall not be entered on the birth certificate unless an affidavit acknowledging paternity signed by both natural parents is received; or unless paternity has been determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

            (c)       Affidavits acknowledging or denying paternity. 

 

                        (i)        Affidavits acknowledging or denying paternity must be on forms supplied by Vital Records Services.

.

                        (ii)       Affidavits acknowledging or denying paternity must be signed under penalty for false swearing.  All signatures must be notarized.

 

                        (iii)      An affidavit acknowledging paternity or denying paternity signed by a minor must also be signed by the legal guardian of the minor.

 

                        (iv)      Affidavits acknowledging or denying paternity may be signed before the birth of the child. 

 

            (d)       After a valid affidavit acknowledging paternity has been filed the father’s name may only be removed from a birth certificate by court order.

 

            (e)       If the father is not named on the certificate of birth, no other information about the father shall be entered.

 

            Section 3.        Infants of Unknown Parentage.  The certificate of an infant of unknown parentage shall be registered by the State Registrar and shall:

 

            (a)       Have "Foundling" plainly marked in the top margin of the certificate;

 

            (b)       Show the approximate date of birth;

 

            (c)       Show the place of birth as the city and county in which the child was found;

 

            (d)       Contain no statements on parentage;

 

            (e)       In place of the signature of the attendant at birth, show the signature of the custodian of the child and indicate the custodian's title, if any.

 

 

 


CHAPTER 4

 

SUBSTITUTION OF BIRTH CERTIFICATES

 

            Section 1.        Adoptions.

 

            (a)       A new certificate of birth shall be prepared by the State Registrar of Vital Records for a child born in this state upon receipt of the following:

 

                        (i)        An adoption report submitted on a form prescribed and supplied by Vital Records Services or a form supplied by another state which contains the information needed to file a new birth certificate in compliance with these rules.  The report must include:

 

                                    (A)      Information needed to locate the original birth certificate;

 

                                    (B)       Information required to complete the new birth certificate;

 

                                    (C)       The signature of the clerk of the court that issued the decree, attesting to the date the final decree was issued.

 

                        (ii)       A certified copy of an adoption decree from the court.  One certified copy of the original decree shall be furnished for each child adopted.

 

            (b)       All information in the report of adoption and the adoption decree relative to the child to be adopted shall be consistent with the information on the original birth certificate.

 

            (c)       The new certificate of birth shall be on the form in use at the time of birth, if possible, and shall include the following items and other information required on the certificate:

 

                        (i)        The name of the child as ordered in the decree;

 

                        (ii)       The date and city and county of birth as indicated on the original certificate;

 

                        (iii)      The names of the adoptive parents as stated in the decree.  In the case of a stepparent adoption, the information on the natural parent is the same as on the original birth certificate;

 

                        (iv)      In the case of a single parent adoption, information for one parent only shall be shown. 

 

                        (v)       The name of the attendant and registrar as listed on the original birth certificate;

 

                        (vi)      The state file number that was assigned to the original certificate;

 

                        (vii)     The original filing date.

 

            (d)       After preparation of the new certificate, the existing certificate and the evidence upon which the new certificate was issued are to be placed in a special sealed file.  This file can only be opened for examination and issuance of copies of the material filed therein, upon receipt of a certified copy of a court order from the court which issued the decree of adoption, a Wyoming district court, or a federal court; or by the State Registrar for purposes of properly administering the vital records program.  Only those materials specified by the court order may be copied and issued.

 

            Section 2         Legitimation.  If the natural parents marry subsequent to the birth of a child, a new certificate of birth may be prepared for a child born in this state by the State Registrar of Vital Records upon receipt of an affidavit acknowledging paternity signed by the natural parents of said child, together with a certified copy of the parents' marriage certificate.

 

            (a)       A new certificate may be prepared under this section only when:

 

                        (i)        There is not another man listed as the father on the original certificate;

 

                        (ii)       The mother is listed as unmarried on the original certificate; and

 

                        (iii)      The mother was not married within three hundred (300) days prior to the birth.

 

            (b)       Certified copies of divorce certificates may be required to document the mother's marital status.

 

            (c)       The new certificate of birth shall be on the form in use at the time of birth, if possible, and shall include the following items and such other information necessary to complete the certificate:

 

                        (i)        The name of the child corrected to show the surname as specified in the affidavit acknowledging paternity;

 

                        (ii)       The date and place of birth as transcribed from the original certificate;

 

                        (iii)      The maiden name and personal particulars concerning the natural mother as shown on the original certificate and the personal particulars concerning the father;

 

                        (iv)      The name of the attendant and registrar;

 

                        (v)       The state file number that was assigned to the original certificate;

 

                        (vi)      The original filing date.

 

            (d)       After preparation of the new certificate, the original certificate shall not be subject to inspection except upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

            Section 3.        Court Determination of Paternity.  A new certificate of birth shall be prepared by the State Registrar of Vital Records for a child born in this state upon receipt of a certified copy of a court determination of paternity. 

 

            (a)       The new certificate shall be on the form that was in use at the time of the birth, if possible. 

 

            (b)       The surname of the child shall remain the same unless otherwise ordered by the court. 

 

            (c)       The additional personal particulars required for the new certificate regarding the natural father shall be included if it is specified in the court order or in a notarized affidavit signed by the natural father.

 

            (d)       After preparation of the new certificate, the original certificate shall not be subject to inspection except upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

            Section 4.        Acknowledgment of Paternity.  A new certificate of birth may be prepared for a child born in this state by the State Registrar of Vital Records when a valid affidavit acknowledging paternity is received.

 

            (a)       If the mother was married to someone other than the natural father within 300 days prior to the date of the birth, one of the following is required in addition to the affidavit acknowledging paternity:

 

                        (i)        A certified copy of a court order determining that the husband or ex-husband is not the father of the child; or

 

                        (ii)       An affidavit denying paternity signed by the husband or ex-husband.

 

            (b)       An affidavit denying paternity is only valid if an affidavit acknowledging paternity is filed.  Both affidavits must be filed within five years of the date of birth.

 

            (c)       An affidavit acknowledging paternity filed after the child has reached legal age must also be signed by the child.

 

            (d)       The new certificate shall be on the form that was in use at the time of the birth, if possible. 

 

            (e)       The name and personal particulars of the natural father and surname of the child shall be as specified in the affidavit acknowledging paternity.

 

            (f)        After preparation of the new certificate, the original certificate shall not be subject to inspection except upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

            Section 5.        Foreign Born Adoptions.  The State Registrar may prepare a new birth certificate for a child born in a foreign country who has been adopted by persons who were residents of Wyoming at the time of the adoption.

 

            (a)       The adoption decree must have been issued by a Wyoming court.

 

            (b)       The certificate will be on a form approved by the State Registrar.

 

            (c)       The following information shall be shown on each certificate:

 

                        (i)        The name of the child as shown in the decree;

 

                        (ii)       The date and place of birth as indicated by the decree and/or report of adoption;

 

                        (iii)      The names and personal particulars of the adoptive parent(s) or of the natural parent if a stepparent adoption;

 

                        (iv)      Documents upon which the new certificate is based.

 

            (d)       The certificate shall be filed and numbered separately from certificates of persons born in this state.

 

            (e)       Upon completion of the new birth certificate the evidence upon which it has been based is to be placed in a special file.  The file may be examined only upon receipt of an order of a Wyoming district court or a federal court.

 


CHAPTER 5

 

DEATH REGISTRATION

 

Section 1.        Responsibility for Filing.  The funeral director who first assumes custody of a dead body shall:

 

(a)       Complete all items on the death certificate except the physician's, county health officer's or coroner's statement attesting to the time, date, place and cause of death;

 

(b)       Secure all necessary signatures and review the certificate for completeness and accuracy;

 

(c)       If the death occurred without medical attendance, if the physician last in attendance refuses or fails to sign the certificate, or if circumstances suggest the death was not due to natural causes, immediately notify the local registrar who shall refer the case to the county health officer or county coroner.

 

(d)       File the certificate with the local registrar.

 

Section 2.        Medical Certification.

 

(a)       The medical statement of cause of death shall be completed and signed within twenty-four (24) hours after the death by the physician in charge of the patient's care, unless inquiry is required by a post-mortem examination.  If such an inquiry is required, the medical statement shall be completed and signed pursuant to Chapter 5, Section 3, (c) of these rules.

 

(b)       In the absence or inability of the physician in charge of the patient’s care, another physician may certify to the cause of death in any case where that physician has access to the medical history of the deceased and views the deceased at the time of death or at some point after death.  In all other cases in which the physician in charge of the patient’s care is unavailable, the local registrar shall refer the case to the local health officer or coroner who shall prepare and file the medical certification of cause of death.

 

(c)       In cases of death from other than natural causes, the coroner shall complete and sign the medical certification with the assistance of a competent physician within twenty-four (24) hours after taking charge of the case.

 

(d)       The cause of death shall be stated as accurately and specifically as possible.

 

(e)       If the death was not from natural causes, the certificate must state the type of injury which caused the death.

 


Section 3.        Time Limits.

 

(a)       The death certificate shall be filed with the local registrar of the county in which the death occurred within three (3) days of the date of death.

 

(b)       When a death certificate cannot be completed within three (3) days of the date of death, the local registrar may grant an extension of time, not to exceed forty-eight (48) hours.  In all cases a death certificate must be filed with the local registrar within five (5) days of the date of death.

 

(c)       If the cause of death cannot be determined within the time limits specified above, the person responsible for the medical certification shall sign the certificate and mark the cause of death "Pending."

 

(d)       If the funeral director is unable to obtain the personal information within the specified time limit, the certificate shall be filed with the information that is available.

 

(e)       When an incomplete death certificate is filed, a supplemental report providing the missing information shall be filed with the State Registrar as soon as possible.

 

Section 4.        Presumptive Death.  When a death is presumed to have occurred within this state but the body cannot be located, a death certificate may be prepared by the State Registrar only upon receipt of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, which shall include the finding of facts required to complete the death certificate.  Such a death certificate shall be marked "Presumptive" and shall show on its face the date of death as determined by the court, the date of registration, and shall identify the court and the date of the decree.

 

 


CHAPTER 6

 

STILLBIRTH REGISTRATION

 

Section 1.        Responsibility for Filing.  A stillbirth certificate shall be filed for all stillbirths with a gestation of twenty (20) or more completed weeks.

 

(a)       The funeral director who first assumes custody of a stillbirth shall:

 

(i)        Notify the coroner if the stillbirth occurred without medical attendance;

 

(ii)       Complete all items except those in the section pertaining to cause of death;

 

(iii)      Obtain all necessary signatures and review the certificate for completeness and accuracy;

 

(iv)      File the certificate with the local registrar of the county in which the stillbirth occurred.

 

(b)       In the absence of a funeral director, the person in attendance at or after the delivery shall prepare and file the stillbirth certificate.

 

(c)       When a stillbirth occurs in a health care facility, the person in charge of the facility shall make available information regarding that stillbirth for the purpose of completing the certificate.

 

Section 2.        Medical Certification.

 

(a)       The medical certification shall be completed and signed within twenty-four (24) hours after delivery by the physician in attendance at or after the delivery, except when inquiry is required by a post-mortem examination.

 

(b)       When a stillbirth occurs without medical attendance at or after the delivery, the coroner shall complete and sign the medical certification within twenty-four (24) hours after taking charge of the case.

 

(c)       The cause of death shall be stated as accurately and specifically as possible.

 

Section 3.        Parentage on Stillbirth Certificate.  The name of the father on the stillbirth certificate shall be governed by the same regulations as for live births.  See Chapter 3 Section 2.

 


Section 4.        Time Limits.

 

(a)       A stillbirth certificate shall be filed with the local registrar of the county in which the stillbirth occurred within three (3) days of the date of the stillbirth.

 

(b)       An extension of not more than forty-eight (48) hours may be granted by the local registrar for the filing of a stillbirth.  In all cases the certificate shall be filed within five (5) days of the delivery.

 

(c)       When an incomplete stillbirth certificate is filed, or the cause of death is marked "Pending" on a stillbirth certificate, the missing information shall be forwarded to the State Registrar as soon as possible.

 

 


CHAPTER 7

 

BURIAL-TRANSIT AND DISINTERMENT PERMITS

 

Section 1.        Permit Required - Time Limit.

 

(a)       A burial-transit permit is required for all bodies and stillbirths regardless of the method of disposal or storage.

 

(b)       The funeral director or person acting as such shall obtain a burial-transit permit from the local registrar of the county in which the death occurred within seventy-two (72) hours after the death, and prior to the final disposition or removal from the state of the body or stillbirth.

 

Section 2.        Removal of Body.  After taking charge of a dead human body or stillbirth, the funeral director or person acting as such shall:

 

(a)       Contact the attending physician to ascertain whether the death is from natural causes and if the death is from natural causes that the physician will certify to the cause of death; or

 

(b)       If the physician refuses to certify to the cause of death, the death was unattended, or the circumstances suggest that the death was not due to natural causes, contact the local registrar who shall refer the case to the local health officer or coroner.

 

Section 3.        Issuance of Permit Prior to Filing of Certificate.  The local registrar may issue a burial-transit permit prior to the filing of a death or stillbirth certificate if the following conditions are met:

 

(a)       The attending physician is contacted and assurance is received that the death was from natural causes and that the physician will certify to the cause of death; or

 

(b)       If the case is within the local health officer's or the coroner's jurisdiction, that official is contacted and permission is received for the intended disposition of the body.

 

Section 4.        Retention of Burial-Transit Permits.  Burial-transit permits must be retained by the local registrar for a period of ten (10) years from the date of issuance.

 

Section 5.        Disinterment Permits.

 

(a)       The disinterment permit shall be authorization for disinterment, transportation, and reinterment.

 


(b)       The disinterment permit shall be issued by the local registrar upon receipt of a written application signed by the next of kin and the person who is in charge of the disinterment, or upon receipt of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction directing such disinterment.

 

(c)       Upon receipt of a court order or signed permission of the next of kin, the local registrar may issue one (1) permit to authorize disinterment and reinterment of all remains in a mass disinterment provided that, insofar as possible, the remains of each body be identified and the place of disinterment and reinterment specified.

 

(d)       A dead body properly prepared by an embalmer and deposited in a receiving vault shall not be considered a disinterment when removed from the vault for final burial.

 

 


CHAPTER 8

 

MARRIAGE REGISTRATION

 

Section 1.        County Clerk's Responsibility.  The county clerk or a designated representative shall:

 

(a)       Obtain the information required for the completion of the certificate with the exception of that regarding the ceremony;

 

(b)       Secure the signatures of the people to be married on the certificate;

 

(c)       Review the certificate when it is returned following the ceremony for completeness and accuracy;

 

(d)       Forward all certificates returned to the county clerk’s office during the month to the State Registrar by the tenth of the following month.

 

Section 2.        Officiant's Responsibility.  The person performing the marriage ceremony shall:

 

(a)       Enter the information regarding the ceremony on the certificate;

 

(b)       Sign the certificate and obtain the signatures and addresses of the two witnesses to the ceremony;

 

(c)       Return the certificate to the county clerk who issued the license within ten (10) days of the ceremony.

 

 


CHAPTER 9

 

DIVORCE REGISTRATION

 

Section 1.        Responsibility of the Clerk of District Court.  The clerk of the district court or a designated representative shall:

 

(a)       Obtain the personal information necessary to complete the divorce certificate from the attorney for the plaintiff or the plaintiff if he or she has no legal representative;

 

(b)       Complete all items of the divorce certificate;

 

(c)       Sign the certificate.

 

Section 2.        Time Limitations.  Certificates should be forwarded to the State Registrar by the tenth of the month following the month in which the divorce was granted.

 


 

CHAPTER 10

 

CORRECTIONS AND AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1.        General Provisions for Amendments within the First Year.  See succeeding sections for specific documents.

 

(a)       Amendments of obvious errors such as transpositions of letters in words of common knowledge on certificates may be made by the State Registrar of Vital Records within the first year after the date of birth, death, marriage or divorce, either upon his or her own observation or query or upon request of a person with a direct interest in the certificate.

 

(b)       The following types of corrections may be made upon receipt of a signed statement from the person or office that filed the original certificate.

 

(i)        Corrections of typographical errors in transferring information from the worksheet or other medical record to the certificate;

 

(ii)       Clarification of inconsistent entries made in response to a query from this office;

 

(iii)      Entry of items which were previously omitted.

 

(c)       The State Registrar may require documentary evidence to substantiate any requested amendment.

 

(d)       Prior to one (1) year of the date of the birth, death, marriage, or divorce recorded on the certificate, corrections or additions may be made by lining through the incorrect information so as not to obliterate it and entering the correct information.  A notation as to the source of the information, together with the date the change was made, and the initials of the authorized clerk making the change, shall be made on the certificate.

 

(e)       After an item has been amended, it can only be changed by a court order.

 

Section 2.        General Provisions for Amendments after the First Year.  After one (1) year no corrections shall be made on the face of the original certificate.  Unless otherwise provided in the regulations or by statute, all amendments to vital records shall be supported by an Affidavit of Correction form and one piece of documentary evidence.

 

(a)       Affidavits of Correction.

 

(i)        Affidavits of Correction must set forth information to identify the certificate, the incorrect item(s) as it is listed on the certificate, the correct item(s) as it should appear, and a description of the evidence used to support the correction.

 

(ii)       Only those eligible to apply to correct the certificate may sign the affidavit.  (See succeeding sections for who is eligible to apply.)

 

(iii)      The applicant shall not alter the affidavit.

 

(iv)      The affidavit must be signed before an official authorized to administer oaths.

 

(b)       Documentary evidence.

 

(i)        Evidence must have been established at least five (5) years prior to the date of the first application for amendment or within seven (7) years of the date of the event.

 

(ii)       With the exception of the item or items on the certificate to be corrected, evidence must correspond with the original certificate as to all other pertinent information.

 

(iii)      Documents used as evidence must contain the item(s) of information exactly as it is to be corrected on the certificate.

 

(iv)      Documents that have been altered will not be accepted.

 

(v)       Only one (1) document can be used as evidence.  All information to be corrected must be shown on that document.

 

(vi)      A copy of a document from an organization must be certified as a true copy of the original by the custodian of the document and show the date the document was originally made.

 

(vii)     Copies of certified copies will not be accepted.

 

(viii)    Supporting evidence will be copied and returned to the applicant upon completion of the amendment.

 

(ix)      The State Registrar of Vital Records shall evaluate the evidence submitted in support of any amendment to a certificate.  When he or she finds reason to question the validity or adequacy of evidence submitted, the amendment may be rejected and the applicant advised of the reasons for this action.

 

(c)       Corrections to a certificate made by affidavit must be completed within one (1) year from the date of the application for correction.  After one (1) year the file will be closed.  The file can be opened again by the resubmission of acceptable evidence.

 

(d)       After an item on a certificate has been amended, that item can only be amended or changed again by a court order.

 

(e)       All corrections to a certificate made by affidavit must be done at one time.  Any corrections thereafter will require a court order.

 

(f)        The Affidavit of Correction shall become a part of the original certificate.

 

(g)       A certificate which has been prepared or amended by court order can only be changed or amended again by a court order.

 

Section 3.        Amendments by Court Order.

 

(a)       Any item on a certificate can be changed upon receipt of a certified copy of a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

(b)       The court order must be specific as to the changes to be made on the certificate.

 

(c)       If the court order specifies that a new certificate be prepared, the original certificate and relevant correspondence shall be retained on file in Vital Records Services.  The new certificate shall be prepared on the form in use at the time the original certificate was prepared if possible.

 

(d)       If the court order does not specify that a new certificate be prepared, an abstract of the court order will be attached to the existing certificate. The abstract will state the date of the order, the order number, the name and location of the court, the data appearing on the original certificate that is to be changed and the new data.  The abstract will become part of the certificate.

 

(e)       The certified copy of the court order will be retained by Vital Records Services.

 

Section 4.        Birth Certificate Correction.

 

(a)       Application for correction.  The following persons may apply to correct any item on the birth certificate:

 

(i)        One of the parents listed on the certificate;

 

(ii)       A legal guardian upon presentation of proof of guardianship;

 

(iii)      The registrant if of legal age;

 

(iv)      The individual responsible for preparing the certificate.

 

(b)       Correction or addition of given names.

 

(i)        Within the first year following birth, given names may be changed, added, deleted or corrected upon receipt of a signed request of the parents named on the certificate, or the guardian or agency having legal custody.  Before the first birthday, the name is added to the face of the birth certificate.

 

(ii)       The child's name may be added before the child's seventh birthday on certificates bearing no given name upon receipt of a signed request of the parents named on the certificate, or the guardian or agency having legal custody.  After the first birthday, the name is added by affidavit and the certificate is marked "Amended."  After the seventh birthday, the name is added by affidavit and documentary evidence is required.

 

(c)       Amendment of surname.

 

(i)        The surname cannot be changed except upon receipt of a certified copy of a court order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

(ii)       Within the first year of birth, spelling and typographical errors may be corrected by a request signed by the parents named on the certificate, or the hospital responsible for preparing the birth certificate.

 

(iii)      After the first year spelling and typographical errors may be corrected by affidavit and documentary evidence.

 

(iv)      Surname suffixes such as Jr., II, etc. are considered part of the surname and the above rules apply.

 

(d)       Date, place and hour of birth.  Within the first year of birth corrections to date, place and hour of birth may be made upon receipt of a signed statement from the hospital where the birth occurred or from the attending physician.  In the absence of the above, the certifier may make the correction with acceptable evidence.

 

(e)       Sex as stated on birth certificate.

 

(i)              Within the first year the certificate may be amended by the hospital or by a statement from the attending physician.

 

(ii)            After the first year the certificate may be amended by an affidavit and a statement from a physician.

 

(iii)      When the sex of an individual has been changed, a court order shall be required to amend the birth certificate.

 

(f)        If the State Registrar ascertains a correction should be made on a certificate and correction proceedings are not completed by the registrant, any copies of the certificate issued shall be stamped "Pending Correction."

 

Section 5.        Death Certificate Correction.

 

(a)       Application for correction.  The following persons may apply to amend a death certificate with the exception of the medical certification:

 

(i)        Next of kin;

 

(ii)       Informant listed on certificate;

 

(iii)      Funeral director listed on certificate.

 

(b)       Marital status and surviving spouse.

 

(i)        These items will not be changed on the face of the death certificate.

 

(ii)       Changes can be made only by an Affidavit of Correction form signed by the person listed as the informant on the death certificate or upon receipt of a court order.

 

(iii)      Additional evidence may be required to substantiate the amendment.

 

(c)       The medical certification of cause of death may be changed only upon receipt of a signed statement from the physician or coroner who signed the certificate.  In the case of the death or incapacity of the certifying physician, a signed statement from an associate physician with access to the medical records may be accepted.  In case of the death or incapacity of the certifying coroner, a signed statement from the coroner’s successor may be accepted.

 

Section 6.        Marriage Certificate Correction.

 

(a)       Application for correction.  The following person may apply to amend a marriage certificate:

 

(i)              Groom;

 

(ii)       Bride;

 

(iii)      Officiant;

 

(iv)      County Clerk.

 


(b)       When marriage certificates are amended, the county clerk who issued the license shall be informed of the items corrected and what evidence was used to justify the correction.

 

Section 7.        Divorce Certificate Correction.   No corrections may be made on a divorce certificate unless the court granting the divorce authorizes such corrections in a signed statement submitted to the State Registrar of Vital Records.

 

 


CHAPTER 11

 

DELAYED REGISTRATION

 

            Section 1.        Births.  All births registered one (1) year or more after the date of birth are to be registered on a special "Delayed Certificate of Birth" form.  Delayed birth registrations may not be filed for deceased persons.

 

            (a)       The following individuals may request delayed registration of a birth if it occurred in this state and has not been previously recorded:

 

                        (i)        The person whose birth is to be registered if of legal age in Wyoming;

 

                        (ii)       If the person whose birth is to be registered is under legal age in Wyoming, or unable to make the request, the registrant’s parent or legal guardian.

 

            (b)       The Delayed Certificate of Birth shall provide the following information supported by documentary evidence:

 

                        (i)        The full name of the person at time of birth;

 

                        (ii)       The date of birth;

 

                        (iii)      The state of birth and either the city or county of birth;

 

                        (iv)      The full maiden name of the mother;

 

                        (v)       The full name of the father in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3, Section 2.

 

            (c)       The type of evidence required for filing a Delayed Certificate of Birth is dependent upon the age of the registrant.

 

                        (i)        If the registrant is under twelve (12) years of age, one piece of documentary evidence shall be required. 

 

                        (ii)       If the registrant is twelve (12) years of age or over, three (3) pieces of documentary evidence are required.  One (1) piece of evidence must have been established prior to the registrant's twelfth birthday.

 

            (d)       Documentary evidence:

 

                        (i)        The document must have been established at least five (5) years prior to the starting of the delayed file unless the registrant is under the age of twelve (12);

 

                        (ii)       If the registrant is under the age of twelve (12), the document must have been established prior to the starting of the delayed file and within the first three (3) years of life.

 

                        (iii)      The document must show the date it was originally established;

 

                        (iv)      The document must show the information exactly the same as the information to be placed on the certificate;

 

                        (v)       The copy of the document must be certified as a true copy of the original by the custodian of the document and show the date the copy was issued;

 

                        (vi)      Affidavits of personal knowledge are not acceptable as evidence.

 

            (e)       The upper portion of the Delayed Certificate of Birth form must be signed and sworn to before a notary public or an official authorized to administer oaths.  The applicant shall not alter the form.

 

                        (i)        If the registrant is under legal age in Wyoming, the delayed form shall be signed by the registrant's parent or legal guardian.

 

                        (ii)       If the registrant is of legal age in Wyoming, the registrant shall sign the delayed form.  If the registrant is female, she must sign her maiden name plus her married name, if applicable.  If the registrant is legally incompetent, the delayed form shall be signed by the registrant’s legal guardian.

 

            (f)        The State Registrar of Vital Records, or a designated representative, shall abstract on the Delayed Certificate of Birth a description of each document submitted to support the facts shown on the delayed birth certificate.  This description shall include:

 

                        (i)        The title or description of the document;

 

                        (ii)       The name and address of the custodian of the document;

 

                        (iii)      The date the document was created;

 

                        (iv)      The information regarding the birth facts contained in the document.

 

            (g)       All documents submitted in support of the delayed birth registration, shall be returned to the applicant after completion of the filing. 

 

            (h)       For all delayed certificates prepared by Vital Records Services, the State Registrar, or a designated representative, shall certify:

 

                        (i)        That no prior birth certificate is on file for the person whose birth is to be recorded;

 

                        (ii)       That the evidence submitted has been reviewed and found it to be sufficient to establish the facts of birth;

 

                        (iii)      The abstract of the evidence appearing on the Delayed Certificate of Birth accurately reflects the nature and content of the documents submitted to establish the facts of birth.

 

            (i)        When the State Registrar finds reason to question the validity or adequacy of the documentary evidence submitted, applications for delayed certificates may be dismissed.  Upon dismissal, the applicant shall be advised in writing of the State Registrar’s decision.   A fee for searching the birth files as provided for by Chapter 14, Section 3, (f), will be retained.  All remaining fees will be returned to the applicant by Vital Records Services.

 

            (j)        Once a delayed certificate has been accepted for filing, it cannot be changed except by court order.

 

            (k)       When an adoption decree is received, and no original birth certificate is on file, a delayed certificate of birth shall be established before the substitute certificate is completed.  The delayed certificate and evidence shall be placed in a sealed confidential envelope subject to inspection only by court order.  (See Chapter 4, Section 1 (d))

 

            Section 2.        Deaths.  All deaths registered one (1) year or more after the date of death shall be registered on the standard certificate of death in the following manner:

 

            (a)       If the attending physician or the coroner at the time of death and the funeral director or person who acted as such are available, they shall complete and sign the death certificate.  The certificate must be accompanied by affidavits from them stating that the information it contains is based on records kept in their files.

 

            (b)       In the absence of the attending physician or coroner or the funeral director or person who acted as such, the certificate may be filed by the next of kin of the deceased and shall be accompanied by:

 

                        (i)        An affidavit of the person filing the certificate swearing to the accuracy of the information on the certificate;

 

                        (ii)       Two documents which were established at the time of death and which identify the deceased and the date and place of the death.

 

            (c)       The State Registrar may require additional documentary evidence to prove the facts of death.

 

            (d)       The face of the certificate shall be marked "Delayed" and show the date of the delayed registration.

 

            (e)       A summary statement of the evidence submitted in support of the delayed registration shall be included on the certificate.

 

            Section 3.        Marriage.  The registration of a marriage after one (1) year of the date of the marriage shall be registered on the standard certificate of marriage form in the following manner:

 

            (a)       The registration shall be supported by:

 

                        (i)        A copy of the license or the application for license if the license was granted;

 

                        (ii)       A statement signed by the officiant at the marriage ceremony, or the custodian of the records of the officiant, and from one (1) witness to the marriage ceremony stating that there was a marriage and the date and place of the marriage.

 

            (b)       The State Registrar may require additional documentary evidence to prove the facts of marriage.

 

            (c)       The certificate shall be marked "Delayed" and the date of the delayed registration shall be shown on the face of the certificate.

 

            (d)       A summary statement of the evidence submitted in support of the delayed registration shall be included on the certificate.

 

            (e)       After a Delayed Certificate of Marriage is filed by the State Registrar, a certified copy must be sent to the county clerk of the county issuing the license.

 

 

 


CHAPTER 12

 

DISCLOSURE OF VITAL RECORDS

 

            Section 1.        Requests - Who May Have Copies.  The State Registrar of Vital Records shall not permit inspection of, or disclose information contained in vital records, or copy or issue a copy of all or part of any such record unless the applicant is authorized to obtain information under these rules.

 

            (a)       Birth Records may be obtained by:

 

                        (i)        Registrant, if of legal age;

           

                        (ii)       Either parent named on the certificate;

 

                        (iii)      A lawyer representing either the registrant or the parent(s);

 

                        (iv)      A legal guardian upon presentation of a certified copy of the guardianship papers;

 

                        (v)       The judicial branch or a department of the federal, state or local government if needed in the performance of their duties.  The State Registrar may require the signature of one of the above (i-iv).

 

            (b)       Death records may be obtained by:

 

                        (i)        A member of the immediate family;

 

                        (ii)       A lawyer representing the immediate family;

 

                        (iii)      A bank, executor of the estate, insurance company, or anyone requiring a death certificate to pay a policy or death benefit on the decedent;

 

                        (iv)      A funeral home acting for the immediate family;

 

                        (v)       The judicial branch or a department of the federal, state or local government if needed in the performance of their duties.  The State Registrar may require the signature of a member of the immediate family.

 

            (c)       Marriage records may be obtained by:

 

                        (i)        Either party;

 

                        (ii)       A lawyer acting for either party;

                        (iii)      The judicial branch or a department of the federal, state or local government if needed in the performance of their duties.  The State Registrar may require the signature of one of the above (i-ii).

 

            (d)       Divorce records may be obtained by:

 

                        (i)        Either party;

 

                        (ii)       A lawyer acting for either party;

 

                        (iii)      The judicial branch or a department of the federal, state or local government if needed in the performance of their duties.  The State Registrar may require the signature of one of the above (i-ii).

 

            (e)       Affidavits acknowledging or denying paternity may be obtained by:

 

                        (i)        A signatory of the acknowledgment or denial;

 

                        (ii)       The child support enforcement agency of any state;

           

                        (iii)      The judicial branch of the federal, state, or local government.

 

            (f)        Individuals and organizations other than those listed above may be authorized to obtain certified copies when they demonstrate that the information is needed for the determination of a personal or property right.

 

            (g)       Whenever it shall be deemed necessary to establish an applicant's right to information from vital records, the State Registrar of Vital Records may require identification of the applicant or a sworn statement of identity.

 

            (h)       When one hundred (100) years have elapsed after the date of birth or fifty (50) years have elapsed after the date of death, marriage, or divorce, certified copies of such certificates shall be made available to any person upon submission of an application containing sufficient information to locate the certificate.  These certificates may be made available by the State Registrar of Vital Records in microfilm format to the State Archives for public research.

 

            Section 2.        Confidentiality.

 

(a)             Nothing in these regulations shall be construed to permit disclosure of information contained in the "Confidential Information for Medical and Health Use Only" section of the birth certificate and the "Information for Statistical Purposes Only" section of the marriage and divorce certificates unless specifically permitted by the State Registrar for statistical research.

 


            (b)       Information obtained from records in Vital Records Services shall be treated as confidential by employees of Vital Records Services and others who may have access to the records.

 

            Section 3.        Verifications.

 

            (a)       Verifications of dates and places of events contained in vital records may be furnished by the State Registrar of Vital Records to any agency or person representing the interest of the registrant. 

 

            (b)       Such verifications shall be on the forms prescribed and furnished by the State Registrar of Vital Records or on forms furnished by the requesting agency and acceptable to the State Registrar of Vital Records.

 

            (c)       All verifications will be made in writing.

 

            (d)       Written verifications will be issued for genealogical research rather than certified copies of vital records.

 

            Section 4.        Research Purposes.  The State Registrar of Vital Records may permit the use of data from vital records for statistical research purposes, subject to such conditions  as the State Registrar of Vital Records may impose, as required by law.  No data shall be furnished from vital records for research purposes until the State Registrar of Vital Records has received an agreement signed by a responsible agent of the research organization agreeing to meet with and conform to such conditions as may be imposed by the State Registrar, as required by law.

 

            Section 5.        Administrative Purposes.  The State Registrar of Vital Records may disclose information from vital records to federal, state, county or municipal agencies of government which request such data in the conduct of their official duties.

 

            Section 6.        Misrepresentation or Fraud.  When the State Registrar of Vital Records finds that a certificate was registered through misrepresentation or fraud, a certified copy of such certificate shall not be issued until a court determination of the facts has been made.

 

            Section 7.        Local Registrars.  Local Registrars shall take necessary measures to maintain the confidentiality of vital records in their custody.  Copies of certificates are not to be issued by the local registrar.

 

 


CHAPTER 13

 

COPIES OF VITAL RECORDS

 

Section 1.        Types of Copies.

 

(a)       Full or short form certified copies of vital records may be made by mechanical, electronic, or other reproductive processes, except that the information contained in the "Confidential Information for Medical and Health Use Only" section on birth and stillbirth certificates and "Information for Statistical Purposes Only" on marriage and divorce certificates shall not be included.

 

(b)       In accordance with Chapter 12, Section 4 herein, non-certified copies may be issued for statistical purposes only.

 

Section 2.        Certification.

 

(a)       When a certified copy is issued, it shall contain a statement including:

 

(i)        The State Registrar's signature or authorized facsimile thereof; or the signature of a designated representative or authorized facsimile thereof;

 

(ii)       The date issued;

 

(iii)      The seal of the office of Vital Records Services.

 

(b)       Copies of death certificates issued by funeral directors must be plainly marked "Conformed Copy."  These copies shall not purport to be certified copies pursuant to W.S. 35-1-425.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


CHAPTER 14

 

FEES

 

Section 1.        Advance Payment, Copies for Government Use, Replacement Copies.

 

(a)       Fees for services proved by Vital Records Services must be paid in advance.

 

(b)       Verifications or certified copies may be issued free of charge to state, local, and federal governments for official government purposes if the use is to the benefit of the registrant.

 

(c)       Certified copies issued within the last year of birth certificates that have had corrections made, will be replaced free of charge.

 

Section 2.        Surcharge for Wyoming Children's Trust Fund.  A five dollar ($5.00) surcharge shall be added to all fees for certified copies, for services which include certified copies and for a search of the files for each five (5) year period or portion thereof.  This shall not be assessed after the end of the first fiscal year in which the balance in the Wyoming Children's Trust Fund exceeds five million dollars.

 

Section 3.        Fees for Services.

                                    Fee with

            Fee                  Surcharge


(a)       For a certified copy of a death certificate       ...........................................................

 

 

$ 5.00

 

 

$10.00


 

(b)       For a certified copy of a birth, stillbirth, marriage, or divorce certificate................

 

 

 

$ 8.00

 

 

 

$13.00

 

 

 

 

 


(c)       For a certified copy of a paternity affidavit          ...........................................................

 

 

$ 8.00

 

 

 

$13.00

 

 

 

 

 

(d)       For a verification of the facts of death

 

$ 5.00

 

$10.00


 

(e)       For a verification of the facts of birth, stillbirth, marriage or divorce..................................

 

 

 

$ 8.00

 

 

 

$13.00

 

 


(f)         Replace death certificates following correction……………………………………………

 

 

$4.00

 

 

$4.00

 

(g) For a five (5) year search of the files when the date of the event is unknown, including a certified copy or verification of the certificate  if  found.........................................................................

 

 

 

$8.00

 

 

 

$13.00

 

 

 

 

 

(h)       For preparation of a new certificate following adoption, legitimation or court order including one certified copy of the new  certificate

 

 

 

$16.00

 

 

 

$21.00

 

 

 

 

 

(i)        For amendments to certificates by affidavit or court order including one certified copy of the amended certificate........................................

 

 

 

$16.00

 

 

 

$21.00

 

 

 

 

 

(j)        For preparing and filing a delayed certificate of birth including one certified copy of the delayed certificate.....................................................

 

 

 

$20.00

 

 

 

$25.00

 

 

 

 

 

(k)       For opening sealed adoption files, not including copies of contents.....................................

 

 

$15.00

 

 

$15.00

 

 

 

 

 


(l)        When information is requested for statistical research purposes, the State Registrar of Vital Records shall charge an amount for such services which reflects the actual costs of providing those services.