Massachusetts § 16 - Blank forms for vital records; security features; approval of non-state registrar supplied forms; standards for forms used for permanent records

§ 16. Blank forms for vital records; security features; approval of non-state registrar supplied forms; standards for forms used for permanent records

Section 16. The state registrar shall prepare and furnish forms of uniform size to the clerks, boards of health, physicians, hospitals, the chief medical examiner, funeral directors, probate and district courts and others involved in the preparation and registration of vital records and shall provide them with any necessary instructions and explanations as to use of such forms. All forms shall have security features that deter alteration, counterfeiting, duplication or simulation of vital records and shall meet applicable federal and state standards established for this purpose. All forms and other materials that are used for preparation of vital records but are not supplied by the state registrar shall be approved by the state registrar. All forms used for permanent records shall meet standards established by the state registrar, which standards shall be no less stringent than the current standards of the supervisor of public records and the state archivist for materials, devices and preservation.