Can a funeral director assume custody of a body by contacting a medical examiner?

A funeral director can indeed assume custody of a body by contacting a medical examiner, but this is contingent upon the jurisdiction of the medical examiner. When a death occurs, the medical examiner has the authority to determine whether a body needs to be examined based on the circumstances surrounding the death. If the death falls within the medical examiner's jurisdiction—such as those involving accidental deaths, homicides, or any unexplained deaths—the funeral director can legally assume custody once the medical examiner has concluded their involvement.

This process ensures that the appropriate protocols are followed, maintaining compliance with state laws regarding death investigations. If the death is reportable to the medical examiner and the proper protocols are adhered to, the funeral director can proceed with custody of the body in this framework, demonstrating the interplay between funeral service and legal regulations.