When must a death certificate be completed and filed when using paper forms?

A death certificate must be completed and filed no later than 5 days after the date of death when using paper forms. This requirement is crucial for ensuring that official records are maintained in a timely manner, which is important for public health, statistics, and legal purposes. The 5-day timeframe strikes a balance between allowing families and funeral professionals the necessary time to gather information and file the document without delays that could interfere with vital records management.

Filing the death certificate within this period also facilitates the process of securing benefits, settling estates, and allows for proper coordination with burial or cremation services. Timeliness in filing death certificates helps maintain the integrity of records and ensures that the cause of death is accurately captured and recorded for various purposes.