Confirm the Death & Legal Pronouncement

If someone dies at home, call 911 or the local non-emergency number. A medical professional (paramedic, physician, or coroner) must officially pronounce the death. If the person was under hospice care, contact the hospice agency first—they will send a nurse to make the pronouncement and can guide you through next steps.

The state where the death occurred handles the legal pronouncement and issues the death certificate. You will need to work with local authorities and possibly a funeral home in that state for initial steps. The body can be transported to your home state afterward, but a transit permit is required.

This varies by state. In most states, a physician, registered nurse, paramedic, medical examiner, or coroner can pronounce death. In some states, only a physician or coroner may do so. If the death was unattended or unexpected, the coroner or medical examiner will typically be involved.

If the death was sudden, unexplained, or occurred under unusual circumstances, the medical examiner or coroner may order an autopsy. This can delay the release of the body and the issuance of the death certificate. Cooperate fully with investigators and ask about estimated timelines.