Wyoming Administrative Code
Agency 048 - Health, Department of
Sub-Agency 0059 - Vital Records Services
Chapter 5 - DEATH REGISTRATION
Section 5-2 - Medical Certification

(a) The medical statement of cause of death shall be completed and signed within twenty-four (24) hours after the death by the physician in charge of the patient's care, unless inquiry is required by a post-mortem examination. If such an inquiry is required, the medical statement shall be completed and signed pursuant to Chapter 5, Section 3, (c) of these rules.

(b) In the absence or inability of the physician in charge of the patient's care, another physician may certify to the cause of death in any case where that physician has access to the medical history of the deceased and views the deceased at the time of death or at some point after death. In all other cases in which the physician in charge of the patient's care is unavailable, the local registrar shall refer the case to the local health officer or coroner who shall prepare and file the medical certification of cause of death.

(c) In cases of death from other than natural causes, the coroner shall complete and sign the medical certification with the assistance of a competent physician within twenty-four (24) hours after taking charge of the case.

(d) The cause of death shall be stated as accurately and specifically as possible.

(e) If the death was not from natural causes, the certificate must state the type of injury which caused the death.