In cases when a physician is responsible for the medical certification of cause of death, a proper and complete cause of death statement shall contain a definite medical diagnosis of the cause of death, using standard nomenclature, in accordance with the general instructions of the state registrar. Certification of cause of death should not be delayed awaiting detailed reports of autopsy or laboratory findings: probable causes should be entered on the certificate, and in such cases a supplemental report shall be made as soon as the findings become available. In cases when a physician or the state medical examiner is asked to complete a cause of death certification when he or she did not attend the deceased, the wording of the certification may be changed to so indicate, and the most probable cause or causes stated. When indefinite or incomplete statements are made as to the medical diagnosis of cause of death, the physician or institution concerned may be required to give further information when possible, upon request of the state registrar.
7 AAC 05.430
Authority:AS 12.65.020
AS 18.50.230
AS 18.50.240