Immediately After Someone Dies - Revision history

Drew Jackson: /* How can you get information about the cause of death? */

2019-12-13T19:27:48Z

How can you get information about the cause of death?

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:27, 13 December 2019
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	===How can you get information about the cause of death?===		===How can you get information about the cause of death?===
	The medical certificate of death contains information about the cause of death. The death certificate does not contain this information. For a [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/death-registration/certified-copies-and-certified-electronic-extracts-of-a-death-registration certified copy of the death registration] - which includes the medical certificate of death - you can apply to the BC Vital Statistics Agency. There is a $50 fee. If less than 20 years have passed since the date of death, only immediate family members and selected others can apply for this document.		The medical certificate of death contains information about the cause of death. The death certificate does not contain this information. For a [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/death-registration/certified-copies-and-certified-electronic-extracts-of-a-death-registration certified copy of the death registration] — which includes the medical certificate of death — you can apply to the BC Vital Statistics Agency. There is a $50 fee. If less than 20 years have passed since the date of death, only immediate family members and selected others can apply for this document.

	{{A Death in Your Family Navbox}}		{{A Death in Your Family Navbox}}

Drew Jackson: /* How can you get information about the cause of death? */

2019-12-13T19:27:16Z

How can you get information about the cause of death?

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:27, 13 December 2019
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	===How can you get information about the cause of death?===		===How can you get information about the cause of death?===
	The medical certificate of death contains information about the cause of death. The death certificate does not contain this information. For a [~~http~~://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death~~-and-bereavement~~/death-registration/certified-copies-and-certified-electronic-extracts-of-a-death-registration certified copy of the death registration] - which includes the medical certificate of death - you can apply to the BC Vital Statistics Agency. There is a $50 fee. If less than 20 years have passed since the date of death, only immediate family members and selected others can apply for this document.		The medical certificate of death contains information about the cause of death. The death certificate does not contain this information. For a [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/death-registration/certified-copies-and-certified-electronic-extracts-of-a-death-registration certified copy of the death registration] - which includes the medical certificate of death - you can apply to the BC Vital Statistics Agency. There is a $50 fee. If less than 20 years have passed since the date of death, only immediate family members and selected others can apply for this document.

	{{A Death in Your Family Navbox}}		{{A Death in Your Family Navbox}}

Drew Jackson: /* How can you get a copy of a coroner’s report or an inquest verdict? */

2019-12-13T19:26:19Z

How can you get a copy of a coroner’s report or an inquest verdict?

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:26, 13 December 2019
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	===How can you get a copy of a coroner’s report or an inquest verdict?===		===How can you get a copy of a coroner’s report or an inquest verdict?===
	Coroner’s reports and inquest verdicts are public documents. For a copy of a coroner’s report, contact the [~~http~~://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death~~-and-bereavement~~/coroners-service~~/contact-us~~ regional coroner office in your area]. For copies of jury findings and verdicts from coroner’ inquests, see the [~~http~~://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death~~-and-bereavement~~/coroners-service Coroners Service of BC website]. See the “[[Where to Get Help for A Death in Your Family\|Where to Get Help]]” section for contact details.		Coroner’s reports and inquest verdicts are public documents. For a copy of a coroner’s report, contact the [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/coroners-service regional coroner office in your area]. For copies of jury findings and verdicts from coroner’ inquests, see the [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/coroners-service Coroners Service of BC website]. See the “[[Where to Get Help for A Death in Your Family\|Where to Get Help]]” section for contact details.

	===What is an autopsy?===		===What is an autopsy?===

Drew Jackson: /* Registering the death */

2019-12-13T19:25:10Z

Registering the death

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:25, 13 December 2019
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	==Registering the death==		==Registering the death==
	When a person dies in British Columbia, the death must be registered with the [~~http~~://~~www.vs.~~gov.bc.ca/ BC Vital Statistics Agency]. Registration creates a legal record of the death. It also results in the issuing of a death certificate, which survivors will need to apply for benefits and to settle the legal and business affairs of the deceased.		When a person dies in British Columbia, the death must be registered with the [https://gov.bc.ca/vitalstatistics BC Vital Statistics Agency]. Registration creates a legal record of the death. It also results in the issuing of a death certificate, which survivors will need to apply for benefits and to settle the legal and business affairs of the deceased.

	The funeral home typically handles the death registration, which consists of these steps:		The funeral home typically handles the death registration, which consists of these steps:
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	{{PLSTipsbox		{{PLSTipsbox
	\| text = The funeral home will ask you how many “original” death certificates you will require. There is a cost for each original certificate: to [~~http~~://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death~~-and-bereavement~~/death-certificates order one directly from BC Vital Statistics] costs $27. For most estates, two original death certificates should be sufficient.		\| text = The funeral home will ask you how many “original” death certificates you will require. There is a cost for each original certificate: to [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/death-certificates order one directly from BC Vital Statistics] costs $27. For most estates, two original death certificates should be sufficient.
	}}		}}

	After registering the death, the funeral home is provided with the requested number of original death certificates and a disposition permit.		After registering the death, the funeral home is provided with the requested number of original death certificates and a disposition permit.

	The '''[~~http~~://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death~~-and-bereavement~~/death-certificates death certificate]''' is a certified extract of the information provided on the death registration. The person looking after the '''estate''' of the deceased will need to produce the death certificate whenever they are required to provide proof of death - for example, to cancel a driver’s licence or to settle insurance policies. Some institutions will require the “original” death certificate or a notarized copy, while others will accept a regular copy. You may wish to order two originals, then have additional “certified true copies” prepared by a notary public or a lawyer if needed.		The '''[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/death-certificates death certificate]''' is a certified extract of the information provided on the death registration. The person looking after the '''estate''' of the deceased will need to produce the death certificate whenever they are required to provide proof of death - for example, to cancel a driver’s licence or to settle insurance policies. Some institutions will require the “original” death certificate or a notarized copy, while others will accept a regular copy. You may wish to order two originals, then have additional “certified true copies” prepared by a notary public or a lawyer if needed.

	The '''disposition permit''' is a permit to dispose of human remains or cremated human remains. It is illegal in BC to bury or cremate a body unless you have a disposition permit.		The '''disposition permit''' is a permit to dispose of human remains or cremated human remains. It is illegal in BC to bury or cremate a body unless you have a disposition permit.

Drew Jackson: /* Removal of the body */

2018-03-21T02:06:49Z

Removal of the body

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:06, 21 March 2018
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	Whether the death took place at home or in hospital, arrangements must be made to remove the body. There are legal requirements as to who can remove the body, where it can be moved to, and who can authorize the removal.		Whether the death took place at home or in hospital, arrangements must be made to remove the body. There are legal requirements as to who can remove the body, where it can be moved to, and who can authorize the removal.

	Only licensed funeral homes or those issued a [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/~~blog/item~~/~~263-opting~~-for-a-private-transfer~~-of-your-loved-one-to-a-funeral-home-crematorium-or-cemetery-if-you-have-questions-here-are-some-things-you-should-know~~ permit by Consumer Protection BC] may move a body.		Only licensed funeral homes or those issued a [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/consumer-help/looking-for-a-private-transfer/ permit by Consumer Protection BC] may move a body.

	A body can be moved only to a place of cremation or burial, a place where a bereavement ceremony will be held, or a funeral home.		A body can be moved only to a place of cremation or burial, a place where a bereavement ceremony will be held, or a funeral home.

Drew Jackson: /* Organ and tissue donation */

2017-04-25T17:06:24Z

Organ and tissue donation

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:06, 25 April 2017
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	[http://transplant.bc.ca BC Transplant] oversees all aspects of organ donation and transplantation in BC. They administer the [https://register.transplant.bc.ca BC Organ Donor Registry].		[http://transplant.bc.ca BC Transplant] oversees all aspects of organ donation and transplantation in BC. They administer the [https://register.transplant.bc.ca BC Organ Donor Registry].

	If your loved one died in hospital, the staff will look up whether they were registered as a donor in the ~~registry~~. If they were, the hospital staff will show you the deceased’s donation decision.		If your loved one died in hospital, the staff will look up whether they were registered as a donor in the Registry. If they were, the hospital staff will show you the deceased’s donation decision.

	If your loved one was not registered, the hospital staff may ask the family if they wish to have the deceased’s organs and tissue donated. While not legally bound to do so, the family may wish to make this decision based on what their loved one would have wished.		If your loved one was not registered, the hospital staff may ask the family if they wish to have the deceased’s organs and tissue donated. While not legally bound to do so, the family may wish to make this decision based on what their loved one would have wished.

Drew Jackson: /* If the death happened at home */

2017-04-25T15:40:11Z

If the death happened at home

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:40, 25 April 2017
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	If the death happened at home, call the funeral home when you are ready. It is not necessary to call immediately; take time to call the relatives and friends you want to be with you.		If the death happened at home, call the funeral home when you are ready. It is not necessary to call immediately; take time to call the relatives and friends you want to be with you.

	If the form "[http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/end-of-life-care/expected-planned-home-deaths Notification of Expected Death in the Home]" has been completed, authorizing the funeral home to transport the body without pronouncement of death by a healthcare professional, you need to wait at least one hour after the breathing has stopped before calling the funeral home to remove the body		If the form "[http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/end-of-life-care/expected-planned-home-deaths Notification of Expected Death in the Home]" has been completed, authorizing the funeral home to transport the body without pronouncement of death by a healthcare professional, you need to wait at least one hour after the breathing has stopped before calling the funeral home to remove the body.

	===If the death happened in hospital===		===If the death happened in hospital===

Drew Jackson: /* If the death happened at home */

2017-04-25T15:39:49Z

If the death happened at home

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:39, 25 April 2017
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	If the death happened at home, call the funeral home when you are ready. It is not necessary to call immediately; take time to call the relatives and friends you want to be with you.		If the death happened at home, call the funeral home when you are ready. It is not necessary to call immediately; take time to call the relatives and friends you want to be with you.

	If the form "[http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/end-of-life-care/expected-planned-home-deaths Notification of Expected Death at Home]" has been completed, authorizing the funeral home to transport the body without pronouncement of death by a healthcare professional, you need to wait at least one hour after the breathing has stopped before calling the funeral home to remove the body		If the form "[http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/end-of-life-care/expected-planned-home-deaths Notification of Expected Death in the Home]" has been completed, authorizing the funeral home to transport the body without pronouncement of death by a healthcare professional, you need to wait at least one hour after the breathing has stopped before calling the funeral home to remove the body

	===If the death happened in hospital===		===If the death happened in hospital===

Drew Jackson: /* If the death happened at home */

2017-04-25T15:39:23Z

If the death happened at home

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:39, 25 April 2017
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	If the death happened at home, call the funeral home when you are ready. It is not necessary to call immediately; take time to call the relatives and friends you want to be with you.		If the death happened at home, call the funeral home when you are ready. It is not necessary to call immediately; take time to call the relatives and friends you want to be with you.

	If ~~a “~~[http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/end-of-life-care/expected-planned-home-deaths Notification of Expected Home ~~Death~~]~~” form~~ has been completed, authorizing the funeral home to transport the body without pronouncement of death by a healthcare professional, you need to wait at least one hour after the breathing has stopped before calling the funeral home to remove the body		If the form "[http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/end-of-life-care/expected-planned-home-deaths Notification of Expected Death at Home]" has been completed, authorizing the funeral home to transport the body without pronouncement of death by a healthcare professional, you need to wait at least one hour after the breathing has stopped before calling the funeral home to remove the body

	===If the death happened in hospital===		===If the death happened in hospital===

Drew Jackson: /* Pronouncement of death */

2017-04-25T15:33:39Z

Pronouncement of death

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:33, 25 April 2017
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	Even though not required under BC law, pronouncement of death by a healthcare professional is widely recognized as sound clinical and ethical practice for care providers. It can also provide assurance and support to family, and verify that this was an expected natural death.		Even though not required under BC law, pronouncement of death by a healthcare professional is widely recognized as sound clinical and ethical practice for care providers. It can also provide assurance and support to family, and verify that this was an expected natural death.

	As well, pronouncement of death by a healthcare professional is required before a funeral home will transport the body - unless the deceased’s doctor signed the form “[http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/end-of-life-care/expected-planned-home-deaths Notification of Expected Home ~~Death~~]”.		As well, pronouncement of death by a healthcare professional is required before a funeral home will transport the body - unless the deceased’s doctor signed the form “[http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/end-of-life-care/expected-planned-home-deaths Notification of Expected Death in the Home]”.

	If a healthcare professional is to pronounce the death, contact the family doctor, nurse practitioner or community nurse. You can take the time you need. If it is late at night, you may wait until morning before calling.		If a healthcare professional is to pronounce the death, contact the family doctor, nurse practitioner or community nurse. You can take the time you need. If it is late at night, you may wait until morning before calling.