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H.B. 61 Enrolled

                 

MEDICAL EXAMINER AUTHORITY

                 
2001 GENERAL SESSION

                 
STATE OF UTAH

                 
Sponsor: Gary F. Cox

                  This act modifies the Medical Examiner Act. This act requires the medical examiner to
                  assume custody of a body involved in a highway accident in certain circumstances. The act
                  sets forth the conditions under which an autopsy of the body may be performed. This act
                  makes technical and conforming amendments. This act takes effect on July 1, 2001.
                  This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
                  AMENDS:
                      26-4-7, as last amended by Chapter 289, Laws of Utah 1999
                      26-4-13, as enacted by Chapter 126, Laws of Utah 1981
                  Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
                      Section 1. Section 26-4-7 is amended to read:
                       26-4-7. Custody by medical examiner.
                      Upon notification under Section 26-4-8 or investigation by the medical examiner's office,
                  the medical examiner shall assume custody of [the] a deceased body [in all deaths that appear to
                  be] if it appears that death was:
                      (1) [deaths] by violence, gunshot, suicide, or accident[, except] unless the accident is a
                  highway [accidents] accident. If the death was from a highway accident, custody shall only be
                  assumed if an autopsy is required or permitted under the provisions of Section 26-4-13 or if
                  requested by the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the highway accident;
                      (2) sudden death while in apparent good health;
                      (3) unattended deaths, except that an autopsy may only be performed in accordance with
                  the provisions of Subsection 26-4-9 (3);
                      (4) [deaths] under suspicious or unusual circumstances;
                      (5) [deaths] resulting from poisoning or overdose of drugs;
                      (6) [deaths] resulting from diseases that may constitute a threat to the public health;
                      (7) [deaths] resulting from disease, injury, toxic effect, or unusual exertion incurred within

                  the scope of the [deceased's] decedent's employment;
                      (8) [deaths] due to sudden infant death syndrome;
                      (9) [deaths] resulting while the [deceased] decedent was in prison, jail, [in] police custody,
                  [in] the state hospital, or in a detention or medical facility operated for the treatment of the mentally
                  ill [or], emotionally disturbed, or delinquent persons;
                      (10) [deaths] associated with diagnostic [and] or therapeutic procedures; [and] or
                      (11) [deaths] described in this section when request is made to assume custody by a county
                  or district attorney or law enforcement agency in connection with a potential homicide investigation
                  or prosecution.
                      Section 2. Section 26-4-13 is amended to read:
                       26-4-13. Autopsies -- When authorized.
                      (1) [Autopsies shall be performed] The medical examiner shall perform an autopsy to:
                      (a) aid in the discovery and prosecution of [crimes, to] a crime;
                      (b) protect an innocent [persons] person accused of a crime[, to]; and
                      (c) disclose hazards to public health [by communicable diseases, occupational diseases, or
                  by dangerous drugs, chemicals, or foods]. [Autopsies may also be performed]
                      (2) The medical examiner may perform an autopsy:
                      (a) to aid in the administration of civil justice in life and accident insurance problems in
                  accordance with [the provisions of the Workmen's] Title 34A, Chapter 2, Workers' Compensation
                  Act [and];
                      (b) in other cases involving questions of civil liability.
                      Section 3. Effective date.
                      This act takes effect on July 1, 2001.
                 

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