Summary
(a) No certified copy or certified transcript of a death certificate shall be subject to disclosure under article six of the Public Officers Law. (b) A certified copy of a death certificate or a certified transcript of a death certificate shall be issued only: (1) pursuant to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction on a showing of necessity; or (2) upon specific request of the spouse, sibling, children, or parents of the deceased or the lawful representative of such persons; or (3) when a documented need to establish a legal right or claim has been demonstrated; or (4) when a documented medical need has been demonstrated; or (5) upon specific request by municipal, state or federal agencies for statistical or official purposes; or (6) when needed for medical or scientific research approved by the State Health Commissioner; and (7) when needed for statistical or epidemiological purposes approved by the State Health Commissioner. (c) Commencing on January 1, 1988 ...