This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 144.221, by adding a new subdivision that outlines the requirements for providing cause of death information in cases of investigated natural deaths where a medical examiner or coroner has declined jurisdiction. The new language specifies that if a death is determined to be due to natural causes, the cause of death information must be provided by a physician who was present at the time of death, a physician or associate who treated the deceased prior to death, or a physician with direct knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the death. If no such physician is available, a physician or associate of a physician has 72 hours to fulfill this requirement after being notified of the medical examiner's or coroner's decision.

Additionally, the bill allows a medical examiner or coroner who has declined jurisdiction to provide cause of death information if the specified time period has elapsed or if they receive a statement indicating that the physician or associate refuses to provide the information. In such cases, the medical examiner or coroner is entitled to recover costs incurred in providing the information from the refusing physician or their employer. This amendment aims to streamline the process of documenting cause of death in natural cases while ensuring accountability for those responsible for providing this information.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.221