Effective Date: June 15, 2025
These procedures apply to all unclaimed decedents being transferred to the custody of Los Angeles County from hospitals, Long-Term Care facilities, mortuaries, third party transport agencies, and other licensed care entities, via drop off transfer of care.
BEFORE TRANSPORT: REQUIRED STEPS
1. Submit the Following Documentation:
o LA County DHS Office of Decedent Affairs- Fax Face Sheet
■ Must include decedent's full name, DOB, date/time of death, facility name, and contact person.
■ Additional identifying information may be required case by case (e.g., alias, social security number, physical description, coroner case#).
o Required Documents/Information (must be complete and fully legible)
■ Death Certificate
■ Certified Letter to legal Next of Kin, proving efforts to locate NOK and specifying:
o "Abandonment of Decedent" and Deadline given to NOK
o Transfer of Care to the Los Angeles County Office of Decedent Affairs (County Morgue)
■ Disposition Permit
■ If decedent is a Veteran, indicated on fax face sheet
■ Request form to consent for County Cremation
o Additional Requirements
■ Transfer of case via State of CA, Electronic Death Registry System (EDRS)
2. Fax All Documentation To: (323) 441-4891 <Link to FAX form here>
3. Wait for County Approval
o Facilities must receive email confirmation from the Office of Decedent Affairs before arranging transport.
o Unauthorized drop-offs will be denied at the receiving site.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Decedent Will ONLY Be Accepted:
• Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• With written emailed appointment confirmation
• With ALL Required Documentation Completed and sent with transporter
• With an ID band on decedent that matches the documentation submitted and accepted by the ODA
• If the decedent is delivered in a clean and uncompromised body bag, FREE OF EXCESS FLUID
• Without personal belongings
• When an infectious disease case is clearly identified and labeled
DECEDENT TRANSFER WILL BE DENIED IF THE REQUIREMENTS STATED ABOVE ARE NOT ADHERED TO
When cases are rejected:
• Facilities are responsible for the safe and respectful holding of the decedent until a new scheduled date for transfer to the LA County ODA is confirmed.
• Any violation of public health policies will be reported to governing agencies
CONTACT INFORMATION
Office of Decedent Affairs
Fax: (323) 441-4891 / Phone:(323) 409-7161
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Additional Contact (Email): decedentaffairs@lacounty.gov
