THE OFFICE OF THE CORONER

ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO
DALE R. THOMAE, D.O., CORONER

II. THE PRONOUNCEMENT OF DEATH:

Only an M.D or D.O. holding a current medical certificate can pronounce a person dead (ORC 4731.14) and furthermore sign a certificate of death. An M.D. or D.O. may pronounce a person dead without personally examining the body of a deceased only if a competent observer has recited the facts of the deceased's present medical condition to the physician and the physician is satisfied that death has occurred.

For the purpose of this rule a competent observer who may determine death shall mean:

a) Registered Nurse holding a current certificate.
b) Licensed Practical Nurse holding a current certificate.
c) EMT-B holding a current certificate.
d) EMT-I holding a current certificate.
e) Paramedic holding a current certificate.
f ) Intern or Resident in an accredited program.
g) Chiropractor holding a current license.
h) Physician Assistant holding a current certificate.
i ) Podiatrist holding a current license.
j ) Clinical Medical Fellow in an approved fellowship.
k ) Visiting Medical Professor
l ) Coroner's Investigator