Originally Posted by
Zorak
It seems weird to see this stated so unequivocally and authoritatively. I would have thought this could vary a lot by location and other circumstances.
The only thing I can state as fact from personal experience is that my father passed away in a hospice on a Sunday and we were able to obtain certified copies of the death certificate from the state records office two days later on Tuesday.
Having dealt with issue in many states, can tell you that is not normally the case. Even if filed fairly quickly, with needed signatures, and no ME objections, its normally a 2-4 week wait.
In your case, being enrolled in hospice means the death was expected. Means no ME objections, that cause of death is known and means the medical director (doctor in charge of the hospice care) are ready to sign off right away. While quite a few are enrolled in hospices with a known terminal fate, most deaths are still unexpected. Means must wait for ME sign off, and for determination of cause of death.