If you are the next of kin for someone who has died you quickly learn that death involves a lot of documentation. All the details about the death, the deceased and a number of related factors are documented by anyone who’s involved at any stage. One document that may be part of the process is a medical examiner’s release form.
In this post we’re going over what this type of release form is, what information is needed and when it’s required.
What is a Medical Examiner’s Release Form?
A release form is a document that grants a medical examiner’s office the ability to release a body to a specific funeral home or their designated agents rather than the next of kin. In the vast majority of cases the next of kin has hired a funeral home that is able to conduct the transport.
When is a Medical Examiner’s Release Form Needed?
Any time a body is going to be released from a medical examiner’s office a release form will be needed. Typically, the form will also specify if the funeral home can also pick up the deceased’s personal effects.
A medical examiner’s office is tightly regulated and they have to follow thorough procedures when a deceased is under their care. The office absolutely won’t release a body without a form stating they can and verifying the information of who is transporting the body first.
Who Fills Out the Release Form?
The next of kin is going to be the one to fill out the release form. Even if there’s an executor that’s in charge of ensuring certain funeral services are arranged. The next of kin must sign the release form stating that the body can be retrieved by someone other than them.
What Information is Needed for the Medical Examiner Release Form?
Each medical examiner’s office has their own release form. However, there are some important details that have to be specified on virtually any release form:
- The name of the deceased is the first thing that needs to be specified.
- The most critical piece of information is who you are approving to retrieve the body. You’ll need to provide the name of the funeral home, along with their address and contact information.
- The next of kin will also have to provide their name, number and address before signing and dating the form.
One important detail about medical examiner’s release forms is the part that states something along the lines of “or its agent”. This effectively means anyone that the funeral home says is handling the transport for them. So, it’s best to ask your funeral home who will be physically handling the process.
If you need to connect with a funeral home to arrange transport before direct cremation services call or text any time for more information and assistance. We’re available any time of day.
