Death in the Home, Pronouncement of Death, Medical Examiner Notification and Post-Death Care
Sets out what the Agency does when a patient dies: preparing the family beforehand, who may pronounce death in Michigan (a physician or a registered nurse), when the county medical examiner must be told, notifying the physician so the death record can be certified on time, care of the body and the family, the controlled substance disposal offer within 72 hours, removing equipment, the Medicaid discharge in CHAMPS, and starting bereavement care.
About this policy
- Policy number
- MI-HSP-DTH-01
- Version
- 1.0
- Main rule
- MCL 333.1033(3)
- Library
- Michigan hospice · 59 policies
- Category
- Hospice care
- Sections
- 21
In short
- Only a physician or an RN acting for the Agency pronounces death. LPNs, aides and other staff support the family and call the on-call RN.
- For an expected death, the family does not need to call 911. Go to the home, pronounce, and support the family.
- Call the medical examiner if no physician or RN saw the patient in the last 48 hours and the doctor cannot say the cause of death, or if the death may not be natural.
- Tell the doctor right away so the death record can be signed on time.
- Within 72 hours, an RN or LPN employed by the Agency offers to help dispose of controlled substances. Record the offer.
What's inside
21 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(3))
- 5. Before the Death
- 6. When the Family Calls
- 7. Pronouncing Death
- 8. When the Medical Examiner Must Be Told
- 9. Notifications
- 10. Care of the Body and the Family
- 11. Controlled Substances After the Death
- 12. Discharge and Records
- 13. Bereavement
- 14. Responsibilities
- 15. Records and Compliance Monitoring
- 16. Staff Training
- 17. References
- 18. Related Policies and Forms
- 19. Approval
- 20. Revision History
An inspector may ask
- Who in your agency may pronounce death, and how are they trained?
- When does your nurse call the medical examiner?
See Cura Core with your agency's name on it.
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