What Happens When Someone Dies?

The Polk County Medical Examiner's Office is contacted by healthcare providers, first responders, long-term care facilities, and hospice agencies when a death may affect the public interest.  An investigation is performed to determine if the Polk County Medical Examiner's Office will assume jurisdiction of the case.  "Assuming Jurisdiction" means that the investigation has determined that the death certificate will be signed by the Polk County Medical Examiner's Office.  

Per Iowa Code, the Polk County Medical Examiner assumes jurisdiction for all non-natural deaths (homicide, suicide, accident, unknown), as well as in some natural deaths where a primary care provider may not be able to sign the death certificate.