Why can only a Doctor say the Time of Death? and not a nurse or anyone else in care of the patient?

Answer 1

Because "death" has a very exact clinical definition and a trained person like a doctor or coroner needs to make sure the time stated follows the official definition. (And even a coroner can only sign a limited temporary death certificate that must later be confirmed by a physician - coroners are elected officials, not trained physicians)

BTW, anyone can say it - it's just not official unless it comes from someone who is trained in knowing and recognizing exactly what "death" officially is... :)

Yes, we do live in a very odd world :)

Hope this helps you out. Mark

Answer 2

Let's say someone's not quite dead. There's a chance to save her, right? Who ultimately has the responsibility?

If the doctor recognizes that there's a chance to save someone, the doctor will do everything in her power to do so. However, if some Joe Lunchbucket from the street points to a body on the sidewalk and says "He's dead, Jim," the doctor still has to make sure for herself before giving up.

Think of it this way: if you were on the operating table, and something went wrong, would you want anyone else beside the doctor to say "It's too late, it's hopeless"?

Answer 3

Depending on what state you live in, the MD is primarily the only one who can announce TOD. A nurse CAN if she is certified, however, most nurses don't bother with the certification . . . who wants the responsibility of announcing someones death, better left to the doctor.
JMO.

Answer 4

anyone can announce time of death- RN or an MD. a doctor has to sign the death certificate though.

Answer 5

If there is a mistake in this, would the good nurses enjoy the court suits????

Answer 6

agree with above. would you want someone else with less training making this very final proclamation.

i must say it is a weird feeling pronouncing someone dead.

Answer 7

coz a dr study the prognosis of each disease in the medical school