If the cause of death cannot be determined within a certain timeframe, what must be filed by the attending physician or medical examiner?

When the cause of death cannot be determined within a specified timeframe, it is necessary for the attending physician or medical examiner to file a pending certificate of death. This type of certificate is specifically designed to indicate that additional investigation or examination is needed before the cause of death can be definitively stated.

The pending certificate allows for the official recording of the deceased's information, while acknowledging that further details regarding the cause are forthcoming. It serves to ensure that the death is properly documented in a timely manner, which is crucial for legal, statistical, and administrative purposes. Once the cause of death has been determined, a final certificate can subsequently be issued to replace the pending one. This process helps maintain the integrity of death records and ensures compliance with legal regulations concerning death documentation.