Why is the Medical Examiner’s Office Involved?

• 8 August 2023

A death certificate must be completed by a doctor for all deaths before final disposition of the deceased can occur. When the person has a family doctor and dies from natural causes (i.e. the result of a disease), the doctor can complete the death certificate. But, if the person is not under the care of a physician or the death appears to be suspicious or unusual (i.e. the result of injury), the medical examiner must be notified to begin an investigation and make sure the death certificate is completed