The hospital or hospice performs several tasks after a person has passed, The most common are listed below.
Short Term Storage
Hospitals and hospices are generally allowed to keep a deceased body in the bed where it passed for 3 – 4 hours. Bodies are held when family members make such a request, usually allowing family members to see the body before moving to a morgue.
Longer-Term Storage
Some hospitals have morgues that can properly store bodies for several days. In these cases, the hospital can hold a body for several days.
Identification & Initiation of PaperWork
Hospitals and hospices also begin the paperwork associated with death (identification, verification of death, etc.).
Persons That Die At Home
If a person chooses to die at home, a similar process is followed. Generally, 911 is called, and paramedics will come and verify the death. They may call the local coroner or medical examiner. Also, the body can be held for longer periods. But you should be aware that decomposition starts immediately, and without professional care, the body can be impaired in ways that make preparation for viewing more difficult.