Who is responsible for filling out the death certificate when death is under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner?

The responsibility for filling out the death certificate when a death falls under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner rests with the Medical Examiner himself or herself. In such cases, the Medical Examiner examines the circumstances of the death, which may include conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death, particularly if the death is sudden, unexplained, or involves other specific criteria outlined in Florida law. The Medical Examiner is designated to handle reports related to deaths that require further investigation due to the nature of the death.

While other parties, such as funeral establishments, may assist in the overall arrangements and ensure that necessary paperwork is completed, the primary duty of completing and signing the death certificate in cases designated for Medical Examiner jurisdiction clearly lies with the Medical Examiner. This is to maintain accuracy and ensure all legal processes are followed correctly in determining the cause and manner of death.

In summary, the Medical Examiner's role is fundamental in such cases, making them primarily responsible for the death certificate documentation.