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

In the context of Florida law, when a death falls under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner, it is indeed the responsibility of the Medical Examiner to fill out the death certificate. The Medical Examiner conducts an investigation into the cause of death, particularly in cases involving sudden, unattended, or suspicious deaths, and they are the authoritative figure in determining the legal and medical aspects of the death.

While it’s true that other roles, such as funeral establishments or direct disposers, may be involved in the process surrounding a death, they do not have the authority to complete the death certificate in cases where a Medical Examiner’s jurisdiction applies. The Medical Examiner needs to certify the cause and manner of death, which is a critical aspect of the legal documentation necessary for burial or cremation.

This ensures that the death certificate accurately reflects the findings of the Medical Examiner, thereby legitimizing the official record of death. The roles of the county clerk or the funeral establishment, while important in their own right, do not extend to the authoritative completion of the death certificate under these circumstances.