Unattended Deaths

Unattended Deaths 1. Deaths due to natural causes are Medical Examiner cases unless the decedent is under the care of a medical or osteopathic physician for the natural disease process to which the decedent has succumbed. As provided in Miss. Code Ann. § 41-61-59, medical attendance must be within thirty-six (36) hours preceding death, or in a pre-diagnosed or bedfast cases within thirty (30) days preceding death. Documentation of medical attendance must be in writing and the medical or osteopathic physician in attendance must be licensed to practice in the State of Mississippi. 2. A physician need not have physically examined the deceased nor been personally and physically present within the aforementioned time limits in order to be considered in attendance. Medical records or other written documentation of prescriptions, telephone consultations or other evidence that the physician has continuously assumed responsibility for the care and treatment of the decedent shall suffice as evidence for medical attendance.