UCLA Medical Center Morgue Services: What You Need to Know

UCLA Health (Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center) does not operate an on-site morgue.

What This Means

• Deceased patients are transferred to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner (for reportable deaths) or to a private mortuary/funeral home of the family's choice (for natural, expected deaths with attending physician certification).
• The hospital's Decedent Affairs / Bereavement Services team coordinates the release process, completes the death certificate (with attending physician), and assists families with next steps.

Key Contacts

• Decedent Affairs / Bereavement Services: [phone] (Ronald Reagan) or [phone] (Santa Monica)
• General Information / Operator: (310) 825-HELP (4357) — can connect you.
• LA County Medical Examiner-Coroner: [phone]

For Families

1. Notify the nursing unit or charge nurse.
2. Decedent Affairs will contact you (or your designated funeral home) to arrange release.
3. Select a funeral home promptly; they handle transport, permits, and final arrangements.
4. Request death certificates through the funeral home or LA County Registrar-Recorder.

UCLA's social work and chaplaincy teams are available for grief support and practical guidance during this difficult time.