Notification, Release & Disposition Process

The term “notification” refers to informing legal next of kin that a loved one has been positively identified.  It is here that the response system starts to differentiate between the family, friends and legal next of kin. Typically, only the legal next of kin will be notified of the identification.  The responsibility will then fall to them to make decisions regarding the release and disposition of the deceased.

For many families, the process of being notified of the positive identification of a loved one is very significant.  It also requires their direct input and decisions and is often the first tangible pieces of information that is specific to them as individuals.    Until this point, the family’s involvement in the response system has been reactive.  They have been involved in providing information and have received updates but have had limited decision-making ability.  There were not many choices to be made.   For many, notification is when their loss becomes very real.

Until their loved one is identified, the families have been interacting with a medical examiner, coroner or lead investigator.  The normal death investigation process has most likely been streamlined.  Many agencies will have also conducted extended operations, sometimes even going to daily 24 hour operations.  However, few jurisdictions, if any, can streamline the process of completing the various government death registration documents.  At this point, very regimented and detailed government agencies become involved (Identification & Release Information Overview.)

Following notification, the loved one is released and transferred from the temporary or disaster morgue to a local funeral director.  The local funeral director prepares the loved one for the disposition directed by the family.   Disposition refers to a family’s direction regarding how they wish to deal with the return of their loved one.  This could be cremation and scattering of ashes, land burial or burial at sea.  Depending on the final disposition, this process may also involve embalming for sanitation or preservation.  Cosmetology preparation for viewing may also take place.  For air transit or international movements, there may be additional documents or various consulate inspections and other requirements (Notification, Release, & Disposition Possibilities.)
 
Up to this point requirements of science and the realities of recovery have dictated the pace of operations.  The speed of release is now dictated by how quickly the various government documents can be completed and signed off.   To improve this and make it faster, information required for completion of various government documents should be collected during the initial interviews.  These interviews took place at the family/humanitarian assistance centers.  To make the transition easier, many companies create a single point of contact for families to arrange for and manage the release and disposition of their loved ones.