Death in the Home and Pronouncement of Death
Sets out what staff do when a patient dies or is found dead at home: when to start CPR and call 911, when a valid do-not-resuscitate order or MI-POST form applies, when a registered nurse may pronounce death under MCL 333.1033, when the county medical examiner must be notified under MCL 52.203, how the family, physician and funeral home are contacted, and how the death is documented and the patient discharged.
About this policy
- Policy number
- MI-HH-CS-05
- Version
- 1.0
- Main rule
- MCL 333.1033
- Library
- Michigan home health · 57 policies
- Category
- Clinical tasks
- Sections
- 18
In short
- If a patient is not breathing and has no pulse, check for a DNR order or MI-POST form. If there is none, or you are unsure, call 911 and start CPR if trained.
- Only an RN pronounces death, and only for an expected death.
- For a sudden, unexpected, accidental, violent or suspicious death, call 911, do not move anything, and make sure the medical examiner is told.
- Never take the patient’s medicines from the home.
- Call the clinical manager and write a full note the same day.
What's inside
18 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.
- Terms of Reference
- 1. Purpose
- 2. Scope
- 3. Definitions
- 4. Policy Statement (MCL 333.1033)
- 5. Finding a Patient Unresponsive
- 6. Expected Death: Pronouncement by a Registered Nurse
- 7. Unexpected or Reportable Deaths
- 8. Notifying the Medical Examiner
- 9. After Death
- 10. Documentation and Discharge
- 11. Responsibilities
- 12. Records and Compliance Monitoring
- 13. Staff Training
- 14. References
- 15. Related Policies and Forms
- 16. Approval
- 17. Revision History
An inspector may ask
- What does an aide do if she finds a patient unresponsive?
- Who in your agency may pronounce death, and under what conditions?
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