American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

In situations where the deceased's family refuses to take responsibility for the body, an appropriate course of action is to notify the family of the office procedures for body disposal. This step ensures that the family is fully aware of the legal and procedural framework that governs the handling of unclaimed bodies. It is important for the investigator to communicate the potential consequences of their decision, including any applicable timelines and options for disposition, which may include burial or cremation.

This approach emphasizes the need for transparency and allows the family to understand their options and rights regarding the body. By providing them with information about the procedures, the investigator opens a channel for further communication that could lead to a resolution, such as the family reconsidering their decision regarding the body.

While contacting local charities, holding the body, or seeking a court order may seem like viable alternatives, they either do not address the immediate need for family communication or may involve legal complexities that can be avoided by first clarifying the established procedures related to body disposal. Engaging the family in this manner may ultimately lead to a more suitable and prompt resolution of the situation.