North Carolina Funeral Law Practice Exam

What is the primary responsibility of the attending physician regarding death in a hospital setting?

1. To prepare the body

2. To notify the family immediately

3. To ensure proper precautions are communicated to the funeral director

4. To complete the death certificate

The correct answer is: To ensure proper precautions are communicated to the funeral director

The primary responsibility of the attending physician in a hospital setting regarding death is to complete the death certificate. This critical document officially records the occurrence of death and includes important details such as the time, cause, and manner of death. The completion of the death certificate is vital for legal records, as it serves as the basis for necessary actions following a death, including the funeral arrangements and the onset of any legal estate matters. While communicating proper precautions to the funeral director is significant, it is secondary to the physician's duty of accurately documenting the death through the death certificate. Completing this document is also a legal requirement that affects various aspects following a person's passing, including the issuance of permits for burial or cremation. Other responsibilities, such as notifying the family or preparing the body, may fall under the purview of different personnel within the hospital, rather than the attending physician.