[Death certificate: Easy, fast and without fear of being wrong].

Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Certifying a death is an act of paramount importance for family physicians, who play a key role in this process. This article presents a comprehensive guide based on a review of laws, codes of ethics and interviews with forensic experts. From the definition of the certificate to the responsibilities of the physician, frequently asked questions that arise in daily practice are addressed. The need to recognise the death of a person accurately and ethically, and to avoid certifying violent or criminally suspicious deaths, is highlighted. In addition, the legal and ethical implications of errors in certification are highlighted, along with guidelines for correction. Issues such as cremation, certification in organ donation cases and the performance of clinical autopsies are also addressed. Proper completion not only ensures respect for the deceased and their family, but also avoids legal and ethical repercussions for the physician.