why would an attorney general office put a hold on autopsy report

What do you need to know about an autopsy report?

One of the most important is whether the Confrontation Clause applies with full rigor to autopsy reports offered for their truth. There are two views. On one side is the argument that autopsy reports are prepared by neutral pathologists — highly trained specialists who are effectively separate from law enforcement, working under a statutory duty to determine the cause of …

When is an autopsy not public record?

Jan 07, 2015 · A security hold is a directive from detectives to the coroner’s office not to publicly disclose details from an autopsy, notes written by coroner’s investigators or results from toxicology and ...

What are the family’s rights during an autopsy?

An autopsy report on a homicide victim may be withheld from public inspection by its custodian only under the procedure in the Open Records Act for denying access based on "substantial injury to the public interest." Freedom Newspapers Inc. v. …

Is an autopsy report public record?

Autopsy reports are not specifically exempted under the public records act. Generally, most county coroners treat them as available to the public. However, at least one law enforcement agency has taken the position that an autopsy record is a police investigatory record not available for public inspection.

How long can an autopsy be kept confidential?

Autopsy reports are confidential under RCW 68.50.105.#N#Coroner records that identify the deceased may be withheld for 48 hours or until the next of kin is notified, although the official may exercise discretion to release the records earlier to aid in identifying the deceased. RCW 68.50.300.

Is cause of death information confidential?

Generally, cause-of-death information is confidential. See N.J.A.C. 8:2A-1.2. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1 any copy, reproduction or facsimile of any photograph, negative or print, including instant photograph and videotapes of the body, or any portion of the body, of a deceased person, taken by or for the medical examiner at the scene of death or in the course of a post mortem examination or autopsy made by or caused to be made by the medical examiner is specifically exempted from the definition of government record. New Jersey courts have permitted public access to autopsy reports and cause-of-death information on death certificates in limited circumstances under the common law. See Shuttleworth v. City of Camden, 258 N.J. Super. 573, 610 A.2d 985 (App. Div. 1992): Home News v. New Jersey Dept. of Health, 144 N.J. 446, 677 A.2d 195 (1996).

What is RSA 611-A:8,III?

Pursuant to RSA 611-A:8,III, autopsy reports are available only to the Department of Justice in situations involving homicide investigations. Autopsy reports are "confidential medical records which shall not be released without authorization of next-of-kin." RSA 611-A:8,IV.

How long does it take to get an autopsy report?

The report takes a number of weeks to complete and may be delayed if toxicology testing (i.e. for drugs and poisons) is requested. A copy of the autopsy report is provided to the family and other interested parties.

Why is autopsy important?

The autopsy report can be used to educate doctors, nurses, residents and students. This contributes to an improved quality of care at the hospital and helps future patients.

What is an autopsy on CSI?

In short, an autopsy is a thorough medical examination of the body of a dead person. It is also known as a “post-mortem examination” or “necropsy”.

What is the name of the doctor who performs autopsy?

A pathologist usually performs the autopsy. A pathologist is a medical doctor that has received specialty training in the diagnosis of diseases by the examination of body fluids and tissues. The word autopsy literally means, “to see with one’s own eyes” in ancient Greek. Autopsies may be performed for medical purposes.

What is clinical autopsy?

A clinical autopsy may determine exactly how and why the person died, evaluate any diseases or injuries he or she might have had, or determine whether a particular medical or surgical treatment was effective. In academic institutions, autopsies sometimes are also requested for teaching and research purposes.

What is an autopsy performed by a pathologist?

An autopsy performed by a pathologist while being observed by a colleague or student. This is sometimes done to ensure that something significant is not missed or for teaching purposes.

Can a medical examiner order an autopsy?

A coroner or medical examiner can order an autopsy report without the permission of the family or anyone else. Deaths that are investigated by a coroner or medical examiner include:

Can a family request an autopsy?

The family can request that the coroner or medical examiner order an autopsy. This doesn’t necessarily mean the authority will make the order. If they believe that the family’s concerns about the cause of death are worth investigating, they will order the autopsy.

What do you need to know about autopsy?

by Linnea Crowther August 6, 2019. By Linnea Crowther August 6, 2019. An autopsy is a medical examination of a body after death. They’re performed after some, but not all, deaths in order to learn what caused their death or to get more information about their death.

Why do people need autopsy?

There are many reasons why a coroner, medical examiner, or family member might request an autopsy: 1. Uncertainty about the cause of death. It’s sometimes assumed that this is the only reason to perform an autopsy, and it’s certainly a common reason.

What is the name of the doctor who performs autopsy?

Other terms for an autopsy are post-mortem examination and necropsy. An autopsy is typically performed by a pathologist, who has training in examining dead bodies and making conclusions based on their evidence. But a pathologist isn’t the only professional who might do an autopsy.

What is partial autopsy?

This is an examination of the entire body, including the external body and organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, and liver. 2. Partial autopsy. Only some part of the internal body is examined here – maybe a specific organ is examined, or a region of the body such as the head and neck.

Who orders an autopsy?

Often, an autopsy is ordered by the coroner or medical examiner. They do not always need the family’s permission to order an autopsy. It may be that they choose to order an autopsy based on information that has been provided to them by someone who is concerned about the circumstances behind the death, such as medical staff or law enforcement personnel. When an autopsy is ordered by an authority, this is considered a “reportable” death.

How much does an autopsy cost?

The family will be responsible for the costs. Autopsy fees vary, but it typically costs at least $1,000 and up to several thousand dollars.

What were the three diseases that Floyd's autopsy revealed?

The report says Floyd’s autopsy revealed three “natural diseases:” (1) “arteriosclerotic heart disease,” which it described as “multifocal, severe;” (2) “hypertensive heart disease,” which included a “clinical history of hypertension,” and (3) a left pelvic tumor, which it described as “incidental.” (Incidental tumors are generally benign.)

When was Floyd's blood test positive?

Blood samples collected at 9:00 p.m. on May 25th, before Floyd died, tested positive for the following, the autopsy report states. (Quantities are given for those who are medically inclined.)

Who is Aaron Keller?

He is a former anchor and executive producer for the Law&Crime Network and is now a Senior Editor for the Law&Crime website . DISCLAIMER: This website is for general informational purposes only. You should not rely on it for legal advice. Reading this site or interacting with the author via this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. This website is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. Speak to a competent lawyer in your jurisdiction for legal advice and representation relevant to your situation.

Ask the experts

Who has access to the information obtained from an autopsy? Can this information (e.g. about hereditary diseases or conditions that may run in our family) be obtained by third parties?

Doctor's response

The same rules of doctor-patient confidentiality apply to autopsy examinations as to medical records of living patients. This means that doctors are not allowed to reveal the results of an autopsy examination to third parties without the permission of the next-of-kin of the deceased.

What Are The Different Types of autopsies?

Who Can Request An Autopsy Report?

What Is Included in The Autopsy Report?

• After each autopsy, the pathologist writes an official report. The autopsy report describes the autopsy procedure, the microscopic findings, and the medical diagnoses.The report emphasizes the relationship or correlation between clinical findings (the doctor’s examination, laboratory tests, radiology findings, etc.) and pathologic findings (those m...

See more on loveliveson.com

Who Pays For The Autopsy?

What Happens After The Autopsy?