Vital Records Services for Government Agencies and Public Health Researchers
This page provides information to government agencies in their requirements as established under the Vital Statistics Laws of 1953. In addition, this page provide information on how government agencies and public health researchers may request vital records data for official government business or to conduct public health research upon approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Government Responsibilities Under the Vital Statistics Law
Accessing Vital Records Data
Application for Access to Protected Data – This application is used by government agencies or public health researchers that are requesting access to vital events registry data and/or cancer registry data for an official government business purpose or to conduct public health research. Data will not be released until approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Health Statistics and Registries.
Request for Certification of a Vital Record – This form may be used by a government agency who is requesting certification of a vital records for official business purposes, such as employment or security purposes (for a birth record) or to close a case file (for a death record). Under this form, the government agency must provide sufficient information for the Vital Records Program staff to locate a record. The Vital Records Program staff will then indicate if a record exists and if the data identified by the government agency is certified per the record.
Request for Verification of a Vital Record – This form may be used by a government agency is requesting verification of authenticity of a vital records certificate that is in the agency's possession. The Vital Records Program staff will then indicate if it is authentic or if the certificate appears to be fraudulent.