# Death Certificates

Death Certificates serve as a source documentation for a patient's death, and sometimes cause of death.

It is **not always required** for patients who expire during research study participation. 

Other source documentation options for death:

* An online obituary
* Chart notes documenting death, if patient died in the hospital

## To obtain a death certificate:

If you know the county the subject died in, contact that **Register of Deeds**

* Google search for contact info
* Each county has different requirements, always call to check
* From past experience, I have been redirected to a web form to fill out the patient's information. They also ask about my relationship to the patient/why I am requesting it. Usually, I attach a copy of the research ICF. 
* Sometimes, they charge a small fee. Speak to Paula about [reimbursing](https://nchvr.gitbook.io/nchvr-guidebook/follow-up-visits/mileage-and-expense-reimbursements) it. 

If you do not know the county of death, try to Google for an obituary and see if you can find the funeral home. 

* Contact funeral home for county of death (then to go Register of Deeds); or
* Ask the funeral home if they can provide a copy of the death certificate