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 "person of interest." It updates the definition of "autopsy" to include both external and internal examinations, along with specimen collection for laboratory and forensic testing. The bill emphasizes the importance of compliance with federal HIPAA requirements and accreditation by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) for medical examiner death investigation systems.

The bill outlines the responsibilities of the office, including conducting death investigations, which may involve death scene investigations, reviews of medical records, external inspections, autopsies, and postmortem testing. It establishes a chief medical examiner who must be a qualified forensic pathologist and allows for the appointment of deputy medical examiners and other staff as necessary.

Additionally, the bill creates a new State Postmortem Advisory Commission to oversee the office's functions, hear appeals regarding the cause and manner of death, and advise the chief medical examiner. The commission will consist of a panel of five members, including physicians with experience in performing autopsies.

The bill modifies reporting requirements for certain deaths, mandating that any person who dies under circumstances enumerated in the bill must be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. It introduces penalties for professionals who fail to notify the state medical examiners in specific situations.

It clarifies procedures for investigating deaths, including the obligation of healthcare facilities, providers, and law enforcement agencies to disclose information relevant to death investigations. The bill establishes protocols for the removal and disposition of deceased bodies, including the authority to order cremation of recovered comingled remains in the event of a multiple or mass fatality.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the production of an annual statistical report on all deaths investigated, which will be publicly posted, and repeals outdated provisions related to compensation for recovery services of bodies from water, thereby streamlining the legal framework surrounding the Office of State Medical Examiners.

Statutes affected:
2891: 23-4-12