Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 641 - Public Health Department
Chapter 97 - Death Registration and Disposition of Dead Human Bodies
Rule 641-97.5 - Preparation of the Certificate of Death or Fetal Death

Universal Citation: IA Admin Code 641-97.5

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, September 18, 2024

(1) The funeral director or person other than the funeral director who first assumes custody of a dead human body or fetus for the purposes of disposition shall:

a. Obtain the personal data from the next of kin or the best-qualified person or source available;

b. Obtain the medical certification of cause of death from the medical certifier; and

c. Within three days after the death and prior to final disposition of the dead human body, file the completed certificate of death using the electronic statewide vital records system or, within three days after delivery and prior to disposition of the fetus, file the completed certificate of fetal death with the state registrar.

(2) The funeral director or person other than the funeral director who first assumes custody of the dead human body for the purposes of disposition shall prepare the certificate of death using the electronic statewide vital records system.

(3) The funeral director or person other than the funeral director who first assumes custody of the dead fetus for the purposes of disposition shall prepare the certificate of fetal death on the official form and paper issued by the state registrar.

(4) Unless otherwise directed by the state registrar, a certificate of fetal death shall be accepted for filing and registration only when:

a. All names are documented in the spaces provided;

b. All items are completed as required;

c. No alterations or erasures are apparent;

d. All signatures are original and genuine and are in dark blue or black ink;

e. The certificate presented for registration is on the approved form and official paper prescribed by the state registrar;

f. Data are consistent with the facts of death; and

g. The form is prepared in conformity with these rules or instructions issued by the state registrar.

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