District Of Columbia § 5-1405 - Deaths — determinations and investigations; cremations.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 5-1405 — Deaths — determinations and investigations; cremations., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-1405. Deaths — determinations and investigations; cremations.
5-1405The CME, other medical examiners, and medicolegal investigators (physician assistants or advanced practice registered nurses) licensed under , are authorized to make determinations of death.
Pursuant to regulations established by the Mayor, the following types of human deaths occurring in the District of Columbia shall be investigated by the OCME:
Violent deaths, whether apparently homicidal, suicidal or accidental including deaths due to thermal, chemical, electrical or radiation injury and deaths due to criminal abortion, whether apparently self-induced or not;
Sudden, unexpected or unexplained deaths not caused by readily recognizable disease, including sudden infant deaths or apparent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) for infants one year of age and younger;
Deaths under suspicious circumstances;
Deaths of persons whose bodies are to be cremated, dissected, buried at sea or otherwise disposed of so as to be thereafter unavailable for examination;
Deaths related to disease resulting from employment or on-the-job injury or illness;
Deaths related to disease which might constitute a threat to public health;
Deaths of persons who are wards of the District of Columbia government;
Deaths related to medical or surgical intervention, including operative, peri-operative, anesthesia, medication reactions or deaths associated with diagnostic or therapeutic procedures;
Deaths of persons while in legal custody of the District;
Fetal deaths related to maternal trauma including substance abuse, and extra-mural deliveries;
Deaths for which the Metropolitan Police Department, or other law enforcement agency, or the United States Attorney’s Office requests, or a court orders investigation; and
Dead bodies brought within the District of Columbia without proper medical certification.
Clearances by the CME shall be required for all deaths occurring in the District of Columbia for which cremations are requested regardless of where the cremation will occur.
The Mayor shall, by regulation, prescribe procedures for taking possession of a dead body following a death subject to investigation under subsection (b) of this section and for obtaining all essential facts concerning the medical causes of death and the names and addresses of as many witnesses as it is practicable to obtain.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 5-1405
What does D.C. Code § 5-1405 cover?
Section 5-1405 ("Deaths — determinations and investigations; cremations.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 5-1405?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 5-1405" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 5-1405 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.