Wolf Vetoes COVID-19 Death Reporting Bill

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf has vetoed a bill that would require county coroners to be notified of any suspected deaths in their jurisdiction that may be related to COVID-19. Senate Bill 1164 was sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward.

Wolf said in a veto message the measure would have caused delays in the reporting of public health information, "which would jeopardize safety."

The governor said medical professionals are currently required to certify all natural deaths unless circumstances justify a referral to a coroner or medical examiner.

"This bill changes that structure and adds an additional layer of reporting by health care facilities, nursing facilities, personal care homes, and physicians," Wolf said. "Under this legislation, the requirement for coroners to investigate the facts and circumstances of various types of death is broadened to include the requirement for coroners to investigate the facts and circumstances of every death suspected to be due to a contagious disease, including a disease constituting a health disaster emergency or pandemic."

Given the substantial increase in COVID-19 deaths in the state, the bill would delay reporting and access to public health information, he said.

Ward said the bill would have increased transparency.

“The governor’s veto message claimed that my bill would have delayed reporting and jeopardized public health and safety," Ward said in a statement. "This idea is completely absurd; in fact, it would do the exact opposite of what the governor claims. Instead of having multiple sets of conflicting numbers, the bill would have provided a significant level of transparency and cooperation without placing any significant new burdens on any health care provider or any level of government."

Pennsylvania on Friday reported 3,384 new cases of coronavirus, setting a new record for the highest single-day case increase since the pandemic began. There have been 8,975 deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 38 new deaths reported Friday.