AA. Live Birth. The complete expulsion or extraction from its birth mother or gestational carrier of a product of human conception, irrespective of the duration of pregnancy, which, after such expulsion or extraction, breathes, or shows any other evidence of life, such as beating of the heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, whether or not the umbilical cord has been cut or the placenta is attached. Heartbeats are to be distinguished from transient cardiac contractions; respirations are to be distinguished from fleeting respiratory efforts or gasps.

BB. Medical Certifier. A licensed physician, physician assistant (PA), advanced registered nurse (APRN), coroner, medical examiner, or other officer authorized by S.C. law or regulation to certify the cause and manner of death on a death certificate who has treated the decedent through examination, medical advice, or medications within the twelve (12) months preceding the death for the illness or condition which resulted in death as defined in S.C. Code Section 44-63-74(3).

CC. Midwife. A person licensed by the State of South Carolina who provides midwifery services as defined in Regulation 61-24, Licensed Midwives.

DD. Natural Burial. The interment of the body of a dead person in the soil in a manner that does not inhibit decomposition but allows the body to be naturally recycled. The body is neither cremated nor prepared with chemicals such as embalming fluids. The body may be placed in a biodegradable coffin or shroud and interred without a concrete burial vault.

EE. Next of Kin/Immediate Family Member. The decedent’s surviving spouse, adult children, parents, siblings, grandparents, or grandchildren.

FF. Original Birth Certificate for Adoptees. A copy of the sealed original birth certificate issued to adoptees according to S.C. Code Section 44-63-140. The non-certified copy is issued on plain white paper and may not be used for legal purposes.

GG. Person Serving as Funeral Director (Other Agent). An individual who chooses to handle final disposition and filing of the death record of a deceased family member or friend without compensation and without the services of a licensed funeral director. Transportation companies cannot serve as a funeral director or other agent unless specified by the State Registrar or Assistant State Registrar.

HH. Personally Identifiable Information. Information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, such as, but not limited to, his or her name, Social Security number, biometric records or address, alone, or when combined with other personal or identifying information which is linked or linkable to a specific individual, such as, but not limited to, date and place of live birth or mother’s name prior to first marriage.

II. Person in Charge of an Institution. The officer or employee who is responsible for administration and includes, but is not limited to, a person holding the title of chief executive officer, administrator, superintendent, director or executive director.

JJ. Physician. A person authorized or licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy pursuant to the laws of this state.

KK. Record. A report of a vital event that has been registered by the Department.

LL. Registration. The process by which reports are accepted and incorporated into the official records of the Bureau of Vital Statistics.