In 2017 NYC Dept. of Heath and Mental Hygiene proposed a new rule that would affect when birth and death records are made available to the public. Rule goes into effect April 17, 2018 restricting access to birth records until 125 years after a birth and to death records 75 years after a death.
If this rule had been in effect when I applied for and received my Grandfather’s 1949 death certificate after 50 years, access could have been denied until 2024. Already reports have been made of people who have legal rights to records being denied due to inconsistent interpretations of rules by DOH employees.
Although the greater genealogical community fought hard against it, the rule recently passes. Thanks to overwhelming opposition to the plan, the NYDHMH proposed a new amendment allowing more relatives access to these records. However, its expansion only applies to a strict biological lineage that does not consider realities of family life today for adoptees or blended families.
We can let NYC know that the new amendment is an improvement, but greater access is desirable.
When: Monday, April 23 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Where: New York Dept. of Health and Public Hygiend
Gotham Center
42-09 28th Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3-32,
Long Island City, NY 11101
For information about the issues involved, please see D. Joshua Taylor, President at the NYG&B at https://www.facebook.com/nyfamilyhistory/videos/1699893130032829/UzpfSTQ5ODIwMDI0MzU4MzIxMDoxNjM0NTE4MjA2NjE4MDY5/
Patrick Young