What does it mean if the death certificate reads “pending?
When the medical or law enforcement investigation is incomplete, a case is placed in a pending status. The most common tests needed are toxicological examinations. The issuance of a final death certificate may also be delayed due to pending further investigations, such as review of medical records, or completion of fire and/or police reports. Funeral arrangements need not be delayed because the death certificate reads pending. The decedent can be buried or cremated after an autopsy even though the cause and manner of death are pending. Every effort is made to complete cases promptly so that the death certificate may be completed.
