Inform immediate family or next kin about the death
3
Prepare the official Death Certificate
4
Approval: Death Certificate by Physician
5
Update patient's medical records
6
Arrange for transportation of the body to the morgue
7
Clean and secure patient's room and belongings
8
Notify the hospital administration of the death
9
Submit Death Certificate to the local health department
10
Coordinate with the hospital social worker for grief counseling services
11
Handover patient's belongings to the next of kin or designated family member
12
Inform other medical staff involved in the patient's care
13
Approval: Release of Medical Information by Legal Department
14
Schedule a post-mortem examination if required
15
Prepare for end-of-life care audit
16
Approval: Post-Mortem Examination Report by Pathologist
17
Report to insurance company, if any
18
Complete and submit any state or federal documentation required
19
Ensure closure of all hospital billing procedures
Confirm patient's death
Confirm the patient's death by checking vital signs and consulting with the attending physician. Ensure that the patient has no pulse or respiration. Document the time and date of the confirmation and any relevant observations about the cause of death.
Inform immediate family or next kin about the death
Sensitively and compassionately inform the immediate family or next kin about the patient's death. Offer emotional support and provide the necessary information regarding funeral arrangements and next steps. Ask if they have any specific requests or questions and address them accordingly.
1
Spouse
2
Child
3
Parent
4
Sibling
5
Other
Prepare the official Death Certificate
Generate the official Death Certificate using the prescribed format. Ensure accurate and complete information is entered, including the patient's personal details, cause of death, and attending physician's signature. Verify the certificate for any errors or omissions and make the necessary corrections before finalizing.
1
Natural causes
2
Accidental
3
Suicide
4
Homicide
5
Undetermined
Approval: Death Certificate by Physician
Will be submitted for approval:
Prepare the official Death Certificate
Will be submitted
Update patient's medical records
Update the patient's medical records to reflect their death. Include the date and time of death, cause of death, and any relevant information. Ensure that the records are accurate and complete, and securely store them for future reference or audit purposes.
Arrange for transportation of the body to the morgue
Coordinate with the hospital's transport services or external service providers to arrange for the transportation of the deceased patient's body to the morgue. Ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed and accompany the body during the transfer to maintain respect and dignity.
Clean and secure patient's room and belongings
Thoroughly clean and sanitize the patient's room following hospital protocols. Remove any personal belongings and ensure their safe storage or handover to the designated family member. Document the condition of the room and belongings for billing and auditing purposes.
1
Remove bed linens
2
Disinfect surfaces
3
Empty trash bins
4
Sweep and mop the floor
5
Restock supplies
1
Handover to family member
2
Store in hospital storage
3
Donate to charity
4
Dispose of as per policy
5
Unclaimed belongings - Documentation required
Notify the hospital administration of the death
Notify the hospital administration about the patient's death. Provide the necessary details, such as the patient's name, date and time of death, and any other relevant information. Follow the established protocol for reporting deaths to the administration.
Submit Death Certificate to the local health department
Submit a copy of the official Death Certificate to the local health department as per the jurisdiction's requirements. Ensure that the certificate is accurately completed and signed by the attending physician. Follow the specified submission process and retain proof of submission.
Coordinate with the hospital social worker for grief counseling services
Coordinate with the hospital's social worker to provide grief counseling services to the patient's family members or next of kin. Ensure that they are informed about the availability of counseling services and any related support groups or resources.
Handover patient's belongings to the next of kin or designated family member
Sensitively hand over the deceased patient's belongings to their next of kin or designated family member. Ensure proper identification and documentation to avoid any mix-ups or disputes. Offer support and assistance during the handover process.
Inform other medical staff involved in the patient's care
Inform other medical staff who were involved in the patient's care about their death. Notify the attending physician, nurses, and any other relevant healthcare professionals. Provide them with the necessary details regarding the patient's death and any follow-up actions required.
Approval: Release of Medical Information by Legal Department
Will be submitted for approval:
Update patient's medical records
Will be submitted
Schedule a post-mortem examination if required
Consult with the attending physician to determine if a post-mortem examination (autopsy) is necessary. If required, schedule the examination and coordinate with the pathology department or external providers to ensure the timely transfer of the deceased patient's body. Follow the established protocols and document the scheduling details.
1
Yes
2
No
Prepare for end-of-life care audit
Compile and organize all relevant documentation and records related to the patient's end-of-life care. Ensure that all necessary forms, protocols, and certifications are complete and accurate. Prepare the audit materials for review and evaluation in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Approval: Post-Mortem Examination Report by Pathologist
Will be submitted for approval:
Schedule a post-mortem examination if required
Will be submitted
Report to insurance company, if any
If the deceased patient had an active insurance policy, inform the insurance company about the patient's death. Provide all required information and documentation as per their policies and procedures. Notify the relevant department within the hospital for assistance in the reporting process.
Complete and submit any state or federal documentation required
Identify and complete any state or federal documentation required following a patient's death. This may include death registration forms, burial or cremation permits, or other legal requirements. Ensure that the completed forms are accurate and submitted within the specified timelines.
Ensure closure of all hospital billing procedures
Ensure that all hospital billing procedures related to the deceased patient are completed and closed. Verify that all outstanding bills, insurance claims, and payment settlements are processed and accounted for appropriately. Coordinate with the billing department or finance team to ensure a smooth closure of the billing procedures.
