Information for Medical Professionals

Requirement to Report Certain Deaths

In order to assure that deaths requiring investigation by the coroner are not overlooked, the Ohio Revised Code requires physicians, law enforcement personnel, and EMS personnel to notify the coroner of certain deaths: 

"When any person dies as a result of criminal or other violent means, by casualty, by suicide, or in any suspicious or unusual manner, when any person, including a child under two years of age, dies suddenly when in apparent good health, or when any mentally retarded person or developmentally disabled person dies regardless of the circumstances, the physician called in attendance, or any member of an ambulance service, emergency squad, or law enforcement agency who obtains knowledge thereof arising from the person’s duties, shall immediately notify the office of the coroner of the known facts concerning the time, place, manner, and circumstances of the death, and any other information that is required pursuant to sections 313.01 to 313.22 of the Revised Code. In such cases, if a request is made for cremation, the funeral director called in attendance shall immediately notify the coroner." - O.R.C. 313.12 (A)

See a list of reportable deaths (PDF)

Determining the Need to Report: An Alternative Method

Need help determining if a death needs to be reported? View this checklist (PDF).

Guidelines for Reporting

  • Report the death as soon as possible by calling 937-521-2116.
  • If in a medical facility, have the decedent’s medical record readily available.
  • Except in extenuating circumstances, do not move the body.
  • Preserve the scene of death.
  • Leave all medical devices / equipment in place, including IV fluids.
  • If you or the decedent’s family have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

Information to Report

Report the following information, if known:

  • Name and title of individual making the report
  • Name of the decedent
  • Address
  • Social security number
  • Date of birth and age
  • Sex
  • Race
  • Marital status
  • Attending physician(s)
  • Next-of-kin (name, address, phone number, relationship)
  • Pertinent medical history
  • Date, time, and circumstances of fatal injury / onset of illness
  • Place of death
  • Date and time of death
  • Circumstances of death
  • Cause of death
  • Name of physician pronouncing death
  • Location of the body
  • Name of funeral home
  • Any other information which may be helpful