Assume that after obtaining the signature of the certifier on a Certificate of Death for a decedent in your care, you are presented with an express order by the person lawfully entitled to its custody releasing the body to another funeral home. What must you do with the Certificate of Death?

• A. Return the certificate to the place of death
• B. Release the certificate to the other funeral establishment
• C. Return the certificate to the certifier signing the document
• D. Release the certificate to the health department in the district of death

Answer: (B)

The death certificate is a legal document kept in the custody of the funeral establishment or the person in charge of the disposition, and it travels with the body to where disposition will occur. When an express order is given by the person lawfully entitled to custody to release the body to another funeral home, that order also authorizes transferring custody of the accompanying documents, including the Certificate of Death, to the receiving funeral establishment. Providing the certificate to the new funeral home ensures they can complete disposition procedures, filings, and any required permits. Returning it to the place of death, sending it to the health department, or returning it to the certifier would not align with the authority granted by the custodian’s order and the needs of the transfer.