Sec. 2844.
(1) When death occurs more than 10 days after the deceased was last seen by a physician, if the cause of death appears to be other than the illness or condition for which the deceased was being treated, or if the attending physician cannot accurately determine the cause of death, the case shall be referred to the county medical examiner for investigation to determine and certify the cause of death. If the county medical examiner determines that the case does not fall within his or her jurisdiction, the county medical examiner shall refer the case back to the deceased's physician within 24 hours for completion of the medical certification.
(2) When an investigation is required under Act No. 181 of the Public Acts of 1953, as amended, being sections 52.201 to 52.216 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the county medical examiner shall determine the cause of death and shall complete and sign the medical certification within 48 hours after taking charge of the case.
(3) If the cause of death cannot be determined within 48 hours after death, the medical certification may be completed as provided by the department. The attending physician or county medical examiner shall give the funeral director in custody of the body notice of the reason for the delay, and final disposition shall not be made until authorized by the attending physician or medical examiner.
History: 1978, Act 368, Eff. Sept. 30, 1978
Popular Name: Act 368
Last modified: October 10, 2016