Can a licensed nurse provide postmortem care?
The appropriately prepared registered nurse or licensed practical nurse may provide postmortem care provided: • There is documentation that the nurse has the knowledge and skills to perform the procedure; • The procedure is performed in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines including, but not limited to, those pertaining to determination of death, deaths that may be under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner, and disposition of bodies. (For example, Miss Code of 1972, As Amended, Title 41, Chapter 036, Determination of Death; Title 41, Chapter 037, Autopsies; Title 41, Chapter 039, Disposition of Human Bodies; and Title 41, Chapter 061, Medical Examiner.) • The procedure is performed according to generally accepted standards; and • The facility/agency has policies and procedures in place addressing all aspects of the issue including, but not limited to, determination of whether tubes such as urinary catheters, intravenous lines an
