GENERAL INFORMATION

When A Death Occurs

Because there may be some confusion as to what steps should be taken should a death occur, we have listed several situations below.

• Sudden or unexpected death at home or other private residence when a physician is not present should be immediately reported to the local law enforcement authorities and/or emergency medical personnel. When the police arrive, they will then notify the proper authorities for removal of the deceased. If you know which funeral home will be handling arrangements, you may tell the police and/or medical personnel. Depending on the circumstances of death, it may be required that the remains be first transported to, and/or released by the County Medical Examiner.
  
• When death at home is anticipated, the patient is generally under the care of Hospice. When the death occurs, Hospice will often facilitate many of the necessary steps, including contact with the funeral home of your choice.
• Should the death occur at a hospital or care home (nursing/convalescent), the medical staff should handle all necessary legal steps. If you know which funeral home will be handling arrangements, you may inform the medical staff. You will be required to complete pertinent legal release paperwork.
• Should the death occur out of state or even out of the country, you should contact the funeral home that will be handling arrangements. Most funeral homes will facilitate transportation of the deceased back home as well as ensure that all necessary arrangements are addressed.

When discussing funeral arrangements or funeral pre-arrangements, federal law requires the funeral director to provide you with a General Price List (GPL) of services. The GPL is a list of all services that the funeral home can provide. Once you have made the choices for the arrangements, you will also be given a Statement of Funeral Goods and Selected Services (SFGSS) which will list those charges and their charges.



The GPL covers all aspects of the funeral arrangements, including the professional services of the funeral director. These professional services include his or her basic services and those of the funeral home staff plus the option of other services, such as the preparation and care of the deceased.

For more information, feel free to visit New Hampshire Medicaid Eligibility: 2025 Income & Asset Limits.

Your funeral professional will assist you in completing the necessary death certificate and can also arrange for additional copies if needed. They provide guidance on when and where to send the certificates, ensuring the process is as smooth as possible. Below is an outline of the information typically required for a death certificate:



Personal Information
This section includes details such as the deceased’s name, sex, age, Social Security number, date of birth, birthplace, date and place of death (hospital, home, or other location), municipality and county, occupation, industry or business, and military service. It may also require marital status, spouse's name, address, race, educational background, parents' names (including the mother’s maiden name), and in some states, their birthplaces and the deceased's citizenship. Additionally, the name of the person who reported the death may be required.

Disposition Information
Details in this category cover the method of disposition (e.g., burial, cremation, donation) and the location, such as the cemetery or crematory, including its city and state. The funeral director's signature, license number, and the funeral home’s name and address may also be needed. Some states might require the embalmer’s signature and license details.

Cause of Death
This section is typically completed by a physician and includes the immediate cause of death, the manner of death (natural, accidental, suicide, homicide, or undetermined), and whether legal or investigative follow-up is necessary. If the death was accidental, additional information about the incident’s time, place, and circumstances is required.

This comprehensive list can help you gather the necessary details in advance, simplifying the process during a difficult time.