This bill amends the existing law regarding the investigation of deaths in Michigan, specifically focusing on the roles and responsibilities of county medical examiners. Key changes include the clarification of circumstances under which a county medical examiner or deputy must investigate a death, such as unexpected deaths, deaths without medical attendance, and deaths resulting from abortions. The bill also specifies that medical records obtained during these investigations are exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, ensuring confidentiality in sensitive cases.

Additionally, the bill outlines the notification requirements for physicians and hospital staff when they become aware of certain types of deaths, emphasizing the need to inform the county medical examiner about incidents involving multiple individuals with similar characteristics. It introduces provisions for referring cases of elderly or vulnerable adults who die unexpectedly or under suspicious circumstances to a dedicated review team, which will handle the investigation confidentially. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the investigative process while protecting sensitive information related to death investigations.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 52.202, 52.203