What happens if a death certificate cannot be filed because the cause of death is undetermined?

When a death certificate cannot be filed due to an undetermined cause of death, the correct procedure involves holding the body until the medical examiner provides authorization for its release. This is crucial because the medical examiner must investigate deaths that are sudden, unexplained, or suspicious in nature to determine any potential legal implications, cause of death, or perform further examinations if necessary.

The involvement of the medical examiner ensures that any concerns related to the manner of death, such as foul play or other health-related issues, are properly addressed. Until this determination is made, the body cannot be cremated or buried because legal and health protocols must be honored to protect public safety and ensure proper documentation of the death.

In this scenario, the other options do not align with the protocol that governs death investigations and the associated legal requirements. Therefore, the requirement to hold the body until the medical examiner permits further action is not only a procedural necessity but also a legal mandate.