Who must state the cause of death on the certificate?

The physician last in attendance is responsible for stating the cause of death on the death certificate. This individual typically has the most direct knowledge of the deceased's health status prior to death and is in the best position to accurately assess and document the medical circumstances surrounding the death.

This requirement ensures that the information recorded is based on clinical evaluation and reflects the healthcare provider's observations and expertise. Physicians are trained to recognize and document the clinical cause of death, which is critical for public health data, legal purposes, and the grieving process for families.

While family members may provide information regarding the deceased's health or circumstances leading to death, they are not qualified to determine or state the cause of death on the certificate. Any licensed healthcare provider, while capable of providing insight, is typically not the designated authority responsible for finalizing this documentation unless they were the last physician to care for the patient. The local health officer does have roles in public health oversight and may be involved in investigations related to certain cases, but they are not the ones who determine and state the cause of death on the certificate.