ABSTRACT
If death has occurred as the result of a natural disease process, in most cases, the medical examiner is not involved in the investigation or certification of the death. For example, an elderly individual with a long history of heart disease is found dead at home, and the local police investigation does not find any evidence of foul play. The deceased’s doctor is contacted and agrees to sign the death certificate, based on his knowledge of the deceased’s medical history. In many jurisdictions, the death is reportable to the medical examiner, but after review of the information provided by the police, the case is released after a report is made. If the death appears to be natural upon investigation by the local authorities, but no doctor is available who is familiar enough with the deceased’s medical history to sign the death certificate, the case is referred to the medical examiner’s office for determination of the cause and manner of death. Depending on the medical examiner’s office, an autopsy may or may not be performed.
