Who is responsible for issuing a certificate of cause of death in cases referred by the local registrar?

In Pennsylvania, the coroner is responsible for issuing a certificate of cause of death in cases that are referred by the local registrar. This typically occurs in situations where the circumstances of death are suspicious, unexplained, or occur without medical oversight.

The role of the coroner is critical in these instances, as they are tasked with investigating deaths that may not have clear or natural causes—such as accidents, homicides, or deaths that occur under unusual conditions. The coroner ensures that all relevant information is accurately reflected in the death certificate, which is essential for official records, legal matters, and any necessary follow-up investigations.

Other individuals listed, like the attending physician or the medical examiner, also have important roles in the process of documenting and determining causes of death. However, their authority may not extend to every situation, especially those that require formal investigation by the coroner. The funeral director usually assists with the preparation and filing of necessary documents, but they do not have the authority to issue the certificate of cause of death. Understanding these roles clarifies the responsibility and processes involved in determining the cause of death in Pennsylvania.