Who is responsible for the identification of a deceased and notifying relatives of the death?

The correct answer identifies the responsibility for the identification of a deceased person and the notification of relatives. In Florida, the Medical Examiner is primarily responsible for determining the cause and manner of death, especially in cases that fall under specific circumstances, such as suspicious deaths or those that occur without clear medical indications.

Funeral Directors play a crucial role in the handling of human remains and the preparation for burial or cremation, but their duties revolve more around facilitating the funeral process rather than the formal identification of the deceased or the official notification of relatives.

The County Commissioner does not hold any direct responsibility in these matters; their role is generally more administrative and does not encompass medical determinations like identifying the deceased.

The Coroner, who may serve a similar function in some jurisdictions, also does not take on the responsibility of notifying relatives. Their primary focus is death investigations and determining causes of death.

Thus, the Medical Examiner is best positioned to handle the initial identification of the deceased since they are formally involved in the investigation and clarification of death circumstances, ensuring that appropriate protocols are followed in respect to legal and medical norms.