When someone dies, one of the first pieces of paperwork that may be needed is the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).Although families often hear this term, many people are unsure what it is or why it is important. The MCCD is completed by the doctor caring for the person before they died and explains the medical cause of death. It is an important part of the legal process that allows the death to be registered.
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is a legal document completed by a doctor or other qualified medical practitioner. It records the illness, disease or medical condition that led to the person's death. The information on the certificate helps the Registrar record the death accurately and provides important information for national health statistics. The MCCD is not the same as the death certificate. The MCCD is completed by the doctor, while the death certificate is issued by the Registrar after the death has been registered.
In most cases, the doctor who cared for the person during their final illness completes the MCCD. Before issuing the certificate, the doctor must be satisfied that they know the cause of death and that the death does not need to be referred to the Coroner.
Once the MCCD has been completed, it is usually sent electronically to the local Register Office. Before the death can be registered, the Medical Examiner will normally review the case and speak with the family if appropriate. This provides an opportunity to ask questions and ensures that the cause of death recorded on the MCCD is accurate. When the paperwork has been completed, the Register Office will arrange for the death to be registered.
There are occasions when a doctor cannot legally issue an MCCD. This may include when:
If this happens, the Coroner will decide whether any further investigations or a post-mortem examination are required before the death can be registered.
In many areas of England and Wales, the MCCD is now sent electronically by the hospital or GP surgery directly to the Register Office. You will usually be told when the paperwork has been sent and when you can make an appointment to register the death.
Usually not. The MCCD, or paperwork provided by the Coroner, is normally required before the Registrar can register the death.
Yes. You can contact a funeral director and begin discussing funeral arrangements. However, the funeral cannot usually take place until the legal documentation has been completed.
No. The MCCD is completed by the doctor and records the medical cause of death. The death certificate is the official document issued by the Registrar after the death has been registered.
Many people believe the death certificate is the first document issued after someone dies. In fact, the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death usually comes first. Once it has been completed, and any Medical Examiner or Coroner processes have been completed, the death can be registered and the Registrar will issue the official death certificate.