How long does a funeral director in Tennessee have to file a death certificate after a person has passed?

In Tennessee, the law requires that a funeral director must file a death certificate within five days of a person's death. This time frame is essential because it ensures that vital records are kept current and accurate, which is important for public health monitoring, statistical purposes, and for the legal and financial matters that often follow a person's death. Timely filing helps to facilitate the need for burial, cremation, or any other disposition of the body without unnecessary delay, providing families with peace of mind during a difficult time. This requirement reflects the emphasis on both administrative efficiency and respect for the deceased and their surviving relatives.