House Bill No. [insert number] enacts the "Gracey Claire Rushing Act," which establishes a mandatory chain of custody protocol for the handling, examination, and return of human remains and internal organs during autopsies and forensic investigations in Louisiana. The Act aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and respect for the deceased and their families by requiring detailed documentation and inventory of major organs to prevent discrepancies, unauthorized retention, or mishandling. Key provisions include the coroner documenting the condition of the body upon receipt, the forensic pathologist performing the autopsy with comprehensive records, and the funeral home conducting an independent inventory of the viscera bag containing retained organs.

The legislation also mandates that the coroner or forensic pathologist notify the next of kin within 48 hours of any organ retention, providing them with the reason and expected timeline for return. All chain-of-custody reports must be maintained as public records for a minimum of ten years, and failure to comply with the protocol may result in penalties, including fines and disciplinary actions. The Louisiana Department of Health is tasked with developing rules and standardized forms to implement the Act, which will take effect on January 1, 2027.