Robert and Lisa Astudillo took care of some important business Monday morning after she delivered their baby boy, Alexander. From the maternity ward at Johnston Health Clayton, the couple ordered their son’s birth certificate online.
Paige Sherrod, who is a registrar for the health information management department, helped the couple navigate the page on a tablet computer. Within a few minutes, Robert Astudillo had filled out the form and finished the task.
Until now, parents have had to make a trip to the county courthouse in Smithfield to get copies of birth certificates. But thanks to an expanded service offered through the Register of Deeds Office, parents can now order the certificates before leaving the hospital, and then get copies delivered in the mail.
“We recognize that parents have a lot going in the days after bringing their infant home,” says Johnston County Register of Deeds Craig Olive. “Getting over to the courthouse is now one less thing they have to worry about.”
PermitDirector is a secure online interactive form that allows the appropriate individuals to order, manage and track birth certificates for their newborns. “This is yet another way that we’re making it easier and more convenient for citizens to get what they need from our office,” Olive said.
Birth certificates are typically required in order to add a child to health insurance, apply for kindergarten, and to travel on airlines.
“We’re pleased to be able to partner with the Register of Deeds for this convenient service,” said Ruth Marler, chief nursing officer and chief operating officer for Johnston Health. “We think patients will appreciate using this technology to simplify their lives.”
The Register of Deeds office is supplying two tablets each to the Women’s Pavilion in Smithfield and the Women’s Center in Clayton to connect parents to the new service. They will now be able to electronically enter all pertinent information to initiate the order.
Once the information is submitted, then the parents may use a credit or debit card to pay the $10 records fee. On Monday, it was Olive who offered to pick up the tab. It was his way of celebrating both the launch of the expanded service and the birth of baby Alexander, he said.
