Who can certify the cause of death?

The correct answer indicates that both a physician and an advanced practice nurse (APN) are authorized to certify the cause of death. This is important in the context of death certification, as it ensures that there is a broader range of qualified professionals who can perform this critical task.

Physicians, especially those who have treated the deceased, are typically in the best position to ascertain the cause of death based on their medical expertise and access to medical history. However, the inclusion of advanced practice nurses acknowledges the evolving role of APNs in healthcare, where they often have the qualifications and training necessary to determine medical conditions leading to death. This collaborative approach helps ensure that the deceased’s cause of death is certified accurately and efficiently.

Other options zero in on either a limited or less diverse group of certified professionals. While coroners have a defined role in investigating deaths, particularly in cases of unexplained or suspicious circumstances, they are not the only ones who can certify death. Similarly, stating that "only a physician" or "any medical personnel" can certify death does not reflect the established regulations allowing APNs the authority to do so as well.