Who is responsible for filing the certificate of death with the Office of Vital Statistics when no official death investigation is required?

The funeral director is responsible for filing the certificate of death with the Office of Vital Statistics when no official death investigation is required. This is due to their role in handling all the logistical aspects of a person's death, including the preparation and submission of necessary legal documents. When a death occurs and it does not necessitate further investigation – such as in cases of natural causes – the funeral director takes charge of ensuring that the proper formalities are completed. They gather the required information, assist families in completing the death certificate, and have the necessary legal authority to submit it to the appropriate governmental agency.

In contrast, while the attending physician may provide the certification of death and the medical examiner handles cases requiring further investigation, they are not designated for filing the death certificate under standard circumstances. The next-of-kin, although integral to the process, typically works closely with the funeral director rather than taking on the responsibility of filing the certificate themselves.