How long before the Coroner signs a completed death certificate?
Usually, a signed death certificate is issued within 2-4 days of the death. However, there are times when a “pending” death certificate is issued. This is a result of insufficient information being available immediately after the autopsy is completed. This “pending” death certificate enables the funeral services and burial to take place while additional chemical tests, microscopic slide preparation and examination, and investigation continue. An amended death certificate is then issued with the cause of death and ruling that supersedes the pending death certificate.
