Section III. PROCEDURES FOR RECEIVING/PROCESSING THE DECEASED
6-8.
RESPONSIBILITIES, REPORTS, AND FORMS RELATING TO A HOSPITAL
DEATH
a. Initial Procedure in Receiving or Processing a Deceased Person.
(1) The first medical treatment facility receiving or processing a deceased
person coordinates with the commander concerned in making identification, completing
death certification, and notifying authorities of the death, as prescribed in AR 600-10.
The commander of the MTF where death occurs, or to which a deceased person is
delivered, safeguards and processes the personal effects of the deceased, in
accordance with AR 638-1, and when necessary, evacuates the deceased to another
MTF for autopsy. When an autopsy is not to be performed, the commander ensures
that the remains are sent to the receiving mortuary within 72 hours after death or receipt
of remains.
(2) Local operating procedures establish the exact way in which the hospital
prepares to receive or process a deceased person. Generally, death folders with
contents and completion instructions are maintained in each ward and in the hospital
emergency room. These death folders are prepared by the Patient Administration
Division and usually contain the following:
(a) Sufficient copies of Certification of Death (varies by state).
(c) SF 523, Post mortem Examination.
(e) DA Form 3696, Patient's Deposit Record.
(f) DA Form 54, Record of Personal Effects.
b. Death Occurring in Hospital.
(1) Responsible ward nurse. The ward nurse performs the following duties in
processing a patient who has died.
(a) Notifies attending medical officer or professional officer-of-the day
(POD).
(b) Notifies the appropriate chaplain.
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