Who is responsible for determining the cause of death if it is not natural?

The correct answer is that the medical examiner or coroner is responsible for determining the cause of death if it is not natural. This role is critical in instances of suspicious, unexpected, or unnatural deaths where clarity is needed regarding the circumstances or potential legal implications surrounding the death.

Medical examiners or coroners are specially trained to conduct autopsies and investigations into the causes of death, especially in cases of homicide, accidents, or suicides. They are tasked with collecting evidence, performing examinations, and compiling reports that provide insight into how and why a person has died when the cause is not evident. Their findings can be important for law enforcement, legal proceedings, and can influence public health policies.

The attending physician typically determines causes of death based on observable health issues and medical history and is usually involved when a death is expected or due to natural causes. The chief medical officer oversees public health issues but does not typically perform individual death investigations. Funeral directors assist in the preparation and arrangements for the deceased but do not have the authority or training to determine causes of death, especially in cases that are non-natural.

Thus, the responsibility lies with the medical examiner or coroner to ensure an accurate and thorough investigation into non-natural deaths.