This bill amends the Code of West Virginia regarding postmortem examinations, specifically focusing on the procedures and timelines for conducting autopsies and reporting findings. It stipulates that if an autopsy is requested by the prosecuting attorney or a judge, it must be conducted within 72 hours of the request. Additionally, the bill mandates that a copy of the autopsy report, along with any related death investigation reports, must be provided to the prosecuting attorney within 24 hours of the autopsy's completion.

The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of the chief medical examiner and the county medical examiners in relation to autopsy procedures and the dissemination of records. It emphasizes the importance of timely communication with law enforcement and legal authorities, ensuring that they have access to necessary information for their official duties. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance the efficiency and accountability of the postmortem examination process in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-12-10