My loved one/family member/friend has recently passed away and is at the medical examiner’s office. What happens next?
Once the deceased has arrived at the medical examiner’s office, an autopsy or an external examination called a “view” will be performed, usually within 24 hours. However, if the case arrives during weekend hours the examination may be performed within 48 hours depending on when the body arrived and the number of cases on hand. The legal next of kin should contact a funeral home or crematorium as soon as he or she learns of the death to make final arrangements and sign a written release giving the medical examiner’s office permission to release the body to the funeral home. Once the examination/investigation has been completed, the body will be released to the funeral home and arrangements can continue. In most cases the remains can be released within 24-48 hours of admittance unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as issues of identification.
Related Questions
- What happens to the personal property or medication that is brought with the decedent to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner?
- My loved one/family member/friend has recently passed away and is at the medical examiner’s office. What happens next?
- Is it necessary for a friend or relative to come to the Medical Examiners Office to identify the body?
