Death of a Patient, Pronouncement and Post-Mortem Care
The Agency’s written policy to follow at the time of a patient’s death (LAC 48:I §8221.C.17) and its post-mortem care procedures (§8235.D.1.i): preparing the family, the death visit, who pronounces death in Louisiana (a physician under R.S. 9:111(A), or the coroner, who may rely on a registered nurse’s or LPN’s firsthand observation at the scene under R.S. 9:111(B) as amended by Act 367 of 2026), when the coroner must be notified (R.S. 13:5712), controlled substance disposal, post-mortem care, release to the funeral home, and records.
About this policy
- Policy number
- LA-HSP-DTH-01
- Version
- 1.0
- Main rule
- LAC 48:I §8221.C.17
- Library
- Louisiana hospice · 60 policies
- Category
- Hospice care
- Sections
- 22
In short
- Our nurses do not pronounce death. A physician pronounces it, or the coroner, who may rely on what the nurse observed.
- Call the coroner at once if the death was sudden, accidental, violent, suspicious or without medical attendance in the last 24 hours, or if the parish procedure requires it.
- If anything looks unusual, leave tubes and the room as they are and wait for the coroner’s instructions.
- Dispose of unused controlled substances with a witness, unless the family declines or the coroner asks you to wait.
- Follow the family’s wishes and rituals, give post-mortem care with dignity, and complete the death visit record the same day.
What's inside
22 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.
- Terms of Reference
- 1. Purpose
- 2. Scope
- 3. Definitions
- 4. Policy Statement (LAC 48:I §8221.C.17)
- 5. Preparing for an Expected Death
- 6. When the Family Calls
- 7. At the Home
- 8. Notifying the Coroner
- 9. Controlled Substances
- 10. Post-Mortem Care
- 11. Release to the Funeral Home
- 12. After the Visit
- 13. Deaths in Facilities
- 14. Supporting Staff
- 15. Responsibilities
- 16. Records and Compliance Monitoring
- 17. Staff Training
- 18. References
- 19. Related Policies and Forms
- 20. Approval
- 21. Revision History
An inspector may ask
- Walk me through what your nurse does when a family calls to say the patient has died.
- Who pronounces death for your home patients, and how do you contact the coroner?
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