Meet Barbara Hathaway, a passionate and hardworking member of the Fishers Health Department, and handles all vital records. With recent updates to health records, FHD is excited to introduce her as a key point of contact for this initiative and its impact on Fishers’ residents.
What do you love most about your role?
I enjoy engaging with our citizens, assisting them in obtaining the necessary documents or resolving complex record issues. At the same time, I take pride in contributing to the preservation and accuracy of their records, ensuring timely and efficient access. This gives me the satisfaction of knowing I’ve made a real difference in someone’s life, which keeps me motivated and passionate about my work.
How can I request birth & death records through Fishers Health Department?
As of February 2025, the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) has implemented important changes affecting how birth and death records can be accessed in the state. This new policy allows local health departments, like the Fishers Health Department, to provide individuals with access to birth and death records for anyone born or deceased in Indiana.
Residents can request vital records on the Fishers Health Department’s Birth and Death Certificates page located here. Residents can also find detailed information about the request process, available payment methods, and how to get in touch with FHD. For any further assistance, feel free to reach out to Barb directly—her contact number is listed here.
Why can’t I get a death certificate in a day or two?
Processing delays or limitations are usually due to one of three reasons. First, if the death is under coroner investigation, toxicology reports can cause significant delays in certification, often taking several weeks. Second, if the medical certifier has not yet completed or signed the medical portion of the record. Third, if a funeral director has not yet completed or signed the demographic section of the record.
Why can’t I get a birth certificate the day after my baby is born?
Hospital certification is a crucial step in completing the record, and it typically takes 5-7 business days after birth for the hospital certifier to finalize it.
How do I handle name changes and amendments on my baby’s birth certificate?
A local health department cannot change a baby’s name after birth. To change a name, a court petition is required in the county where the baby was born. However, the local health department can make corrections such as fixing misspellings of the baby’s name or correcting incorrect parental birthdates entered by the hospital.
For more information about Vital Records, including office hours and the request process, visit the Fishers Health Department website.
