The bill amends Chapter 23-4 of the General Laws, which governs the Office of State Medical Examiners, by introducing new definitions such as "external inspection," "death investigation," and "interested person," thereby clarifying the roles and responsibilities of medical examiners. It updates the definition of "autopsy" to encompass both external and internal examinations, including specimen collection for forensic testing. The bill emphasizes the importance of compliance with accreditation standards set by the National Association of Medical Examiners and outlines the office's responsibilities in investigating deaths, conducting inquests, and performing postmortem examinations.

Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for multidisciplinary reviews of child fatalities, drug-related overdose deaths, maternal mortality, and suicide deaths, while ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information. It creates the State Postmortem Advisory Commission to replace the existing State Medical Examiners Commission, consisting of seven members, including the attorney general or their designee. This commission will handle appeals regarding the chief medical examiner's decisions on the cause and manner of death.

The bill mandates that individuals with knowledge of suspicious deaths report to law enforcement or the state medical examiners, updating penalties for non-compliance. It clarifies the jurisdiction of the state medical examiners in death investigations, outlines the procedures for postmortem investigations, and establishes fees for related services. The act will take effect upon passage and repeals a previous section concerning compensation for body recovery from water.

Statutes affected:
7933: 23-4-12
7933  SUB A: 23-4-12