From the Guidelines
The attending physician who was caring for the patient at the time of death is typically responsible for completing and signing the death certificate. This responsibility is crucial as the death certificate is a legal document that records the cause of death, contributing factors, and other vital information, which is used for public health statistics, research, and legal purposes including insurance claims and estate settlements. According to the study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1, after-death care interventions include filing the death certificate, completing forms, and providing necessary information for the funeral director. Another study published in the same journal 1 also emphasizes the importance of ensuring culturally sensitive and respectful treatment of the body, including removal of tubes, drains, lines, and the Foley catheter, and facilitating funeral arrangements through completion of necessary paperwork. In some jurisdictions, if the death is unexpected or occurs under unusual circumstances, the medical examiner or coroner may need to be notified and might assume responsibility for the death certificate. The physician completing the certificate must determine the immediate cause of death and any underlying conditions that contributed to it. This responsibility is taken seriously as the information on death certificates is used for various purposes. Some key points to consider when completing a death certificate include:
- Determining the immediate cause of death and any underlying conditions that contributed to it
- Ensuring accurate and prompt completion of the death certificate, usually within 24-72 hours of death depending on local regulations
- Providing necessary information for the funeral director and facilitating funeral arrangements
- Ensuring culturally sensitive and respectful treatment of the body
- Identifying family members at risk for complicated bereavement or prolonged grief disorder and offering bereavement support.
From the Research
Responsibility for Death Certificate
When a patient dies in a hospital, the responsibility for the death certificate typically falls on the:
- Attending physician or the physician who was responsible for the patient's care at the time of death 2
- In some cases, the hospital's administrative staff may assist with the completion of the death certificate, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the attending physician
Factors Influencing Death Certificate Completion
The completion of the death certificate may be influenced by various factors, including:
- The cause of death, which may require additional investigation or documentation 2
- The presence of pre-existing medical conditions, which may need to be noted on the death certificate 2
- The hospital's policies and procedures for completing death certificates, which may vary depending on the institution 3, 4
Importance of Accurate Death Certificate Completion
Accurate completion of the death certificate is crucial for: