The Florida Senate

382.011  Medical examiner determination of cause of death.--

(1)  In the case of any death or fetal death due to causes or conditions listed in s. 406.11, or where the death occurred more than 30 days after the decedent was last treated by a physician unless the death was medically expected as certified by an attending physician, or where there is reason to believe that the death may have been due to unlawful act or neglect, the funeral director or other person to whose attention the death may come shall refer the case to the medical examiner of the district in which the death occurred for investigation and determination of the cause of death.

(2)  The medical examiner shall complete and sign the medical certification of cause of death of the death or fetal death certificate within 72 hours after notification, whether or not final determination of the cause of death has been established, unless an extension has been granted as provided under s. 382.008. Any amendment fees prescribed in s. 382.0255 shall be waived when a later determination of cause of death is made.

(3)  The funeral director shall retain the responsibility for preparation of the death or fetal death certificate, obtaining the necessary signatures, filing with the local registrar in a timely manner, and disposing of the remains when the remains are released by the medical examiner.

History.--s. 8, ch. 6892, 1915; RGS 2077; CGL 3277; s. 9, ch. 87-387; s. 666, ch. 95-148; s. 94, ch. 97-237.

Note.--Former s. 382.10.