completing the cause of death shall attest to its accuracy either by signature or by an approved electronic process.

(5) When inquiry is required by S.C. Code Section 44-43-720, the coroner or medical examiner in the jurisdiction where death or injury occurred or where the body was found shall determine the cause and manner of death and shall complete and sign the medical certification within forty-eight (48) hours after taking charge of the case. If the cause and/or manner of death cannot be determined within forty-eight (48) hours, the cause and/or manner of death shall be entered as pending and a supplemental medical amendment shall be submitted when the cause and/or manner of death is determined.

(6) Administrative penalties as defined in S.C. Code Section 44-63-74 shall be assessed whenever a death certificate is filed more than five (5) calendar days after the date of death. The Department shall review each record filed late to determine whether the funeral home or director, medical certifier (excluding coroners and medical examiners), or both are at fault for the delay of registration.

(a) When fault for the delay of registration is determined by the Department, the party or parties determined to be at fault shall be emailed a notice of violation by the Department and informed of the total amount of the administrative penalty. The funeral home, funeral director, or medical certifier may submit a statement or evidence showing good cause for the delay up to fifteen (15) calendar days after the notice is sent from the Department. If no statement or evidence of good cause is submitted within fifteen (15) calendar days, the party determined at fault will be sent an official notice of the fine assessed via certified mail.

(b) If a statement or evidence is submitted claiming good cause for the delay, the Department shall make a determination within fifteen (15) calendar days whether the good cause is justified. Good cause shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) a natural disaster, (2) an emergency declaration from the Governor, (3) a verified system malfunction or error reported within the specified timeframe, (4) when significant but unsuccessful efforts were made to file the record on time, or (5) when the funeral director is unable to obtain information pursuant to S.C. Code Section 44-63-74(A)(2)(a). In cases where there were significant but unsuccessful efforts to file the record on time, the person responsible for registration shall notify the Department via email within the specified timeframe with the cause of the delay. In cases where the decedent’s information cannot be obtained pursuant to S.C. Code Section 44-63-74(A)(2)(a), a statement from the informant listed on the death certificate must be submitted stating the reason for the inability to collect the information for good cause to be considered. The Department shall notify the party whether or not good cause is determined within fifteen (15) calendar days after final review of the evidence. If the Department determines good cause is present, fines will be reduced or removed.

(c) If the Department determines that the evidence submitted does not establish good cause for the delay, the party or parties determined at fault will receive a final notice of violation via email and certified mail that the evidence for good cause has been denied and the fines will be due. Administrative penalties assessed should be paid within thirty (30) calendar days of the final notice being sent. If the fines are paid within the thirty (30) calendar days of the final notice, the party at fault will be eligible for a fifty percent (50%) reduction of fines. If the fees are not paid within thirty (30) calendar days of the final notice, the entire amount due must be paid.

- C. When a court of competent jurisdiction determines a death has occurred within this state but the body cannot be located, a death certificate may be prepared by the Department upon receipt of an order of the court, which shall include the finding of facts required to complete the death record, including, but not limited to, the county of death. Such a death record shall be marked “presumptive” and shall show on its face the date of filing and shall identify the court and the date of the decree.