What is a prerequisite for using a death certificate for cremation in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, a death certificate must be signed by a licensed physician as a prerequisite for using it for cremation. This requirement ensures that a qualified medical professional has confirmed the cause of death, which is crucial for legal and health reasons. The physician's signature also signifies that they have completed any necessary investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death, which is particularly important in the case of cremation, as this process is irreversible and eliminates the body from further examination.

This practice helps maintain thorough records and protects public health by ensuring that all deaths are duly accounted for and that any questions regarding the cause of death can be addressed. Other options, while they may involve aspects of the death certification process, do not meet the critical legal requirement that ensures the physician's validation of the death before cremation can proceed.