La. R.S. § 40:49 - Preparation and filing of death and spontaneous fetal death certificate (stillbirth)

• Cite as: La. R.S. § 40:49

A. The funeral director or person acting as such shall prepare and file the certificate of death or spontaneous fetal death or stillbirth provided for in R.S. 40:47.

B. In preparing a certificate of death or spontaneous fetal death or stillbirth, he shall:

(1) First obtain and enter on the certificate the personal data required by the state registrar from the person best qualified to supply such data.

(2) Except as provided in Paragraph (4) of this Subsection, if the death occurred with medical attendance, present the certificate of death to the physician last in attendance upon the deceased, who shall certify over his signature within twenty-four hours the cause of death to his best knowledge and belief; or, if the spontaneous fetal death occurred with any person in attendance, present the certificate of spontaneous fetal death to the physician, midwife, or other person in attendance at the spontaneous fetal death for the certification of the fact of spontaneous fetal death and such medical data pertaining to the spontaneous fetal death as the physician or midwife can furnish in his professional capacity.

(3) Except as provided in Paragraph (4) of this Subsection, if the death occurred without medical attendance, or if the physician or midwife or other person last in attendance at the death or spontaneous fetal death refuses or for any reason fails to sign the certificate, immediately notify the appropriate local registrar. The local registrar shall, prior to issuing a permit for burial, cremation, or other disposition of the body, inform the coroner, and refer the case to him for immediate investigation and certification of the information required under Paragraph (2) of this Subsection. Provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall be construed to require an investigation, autopsy or inquest in any case where death occurred without medical attendance solely because the deceased was under treatment by prayer or spiritual means alone in accordance with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination, and under such eventualities, the death certificate may be completed on the basis of information received from persons having knowledge of the facts.

(4) Whether the death or spontaneous fetal death occurred with or without medical attendance, if the circumstances of the case suggest that the death or spontaneous fetal death was caused by other than natural causes, the local registrar shall refer the case to the coroner or medical examiner for investigation and certification.