MN Senator Dr Scott Jensen on being told by MN Dept of Health to classify non-CV deaths as CV deaths - YouTube
Seems like a lot of storm and fury, but the value is in digging in. While we must be skeptical of all things, we must also be skeptical of the sensational, and a politician announcing something untoward is certianly that.
In terms of good moves, the state rep in question posted the document in question. It's a useful document because it illustrates that COD is often listed as a multi-tiered thing. So it says this is the direct thing that kills someone, then lists pneumonia or COVID further down the line.
In the case he's talking about, it's how one lists home deaths. It says if a person dies at home of a respiratory issue, and was exposed to someone who later tested positive for COVID, the COD should be listed "Acute respiratory illness" due to "Possible COVID."
Now, we can argue if it's right to list a possible COD on a death certificate. In truth, it shouldn't really matter unless that specific things being used as a political bludgeoning tool of sorts. But of course, this is coming from a politician seemingly with a taste for bludgeoning, and the pub he'll get for this is probably the most fame he'll ever acquire. I don't know how this factors into the larger numbers.
Simply put, that headline is a lie. And if the end game was to get more funding or something, it's missing the mark because the hospital treats no one in that case.
Anyway, here's the most thesis of the instruction. We can argue if it's reasonable or not "In cases where a definite diagnosis of COVID–19 cannot be made, but it is suspected or likely (e.g., the circumstances are compelling within a reasonable degree of certainty), it is acceptable to report COVID–19 on a death certificate as “probable” or “presumed.” In these instances, certifiers should use their best clinical judgement in determining if a COVID–19 infection was likely. However, please note that testing for COVID–19 should be conducted whenever possible."
