Bill > HB1194

This bill addresses procedures for county coroners conducting autopsies and blood sample retention in hospitals. It requires that when a death occurs in one Indiana county due to an incident in another county, the coroners must communicate within 24 hours to discuss the need for an autopsy. If they agree an autopsy is needed, the county where the incident occurred will be responsible for the costs. If the coroner from the incident county fails to respond within 24 hours, the coroner where the death occurred may conduct the autopsy and bill the incident county. Starting January 1, 2026, licensed hospitals must establish a blood retention protocol for the first blood sample drawn from patients in emergency departments, particularly for patients with suspicious, violent, accidental, or overdose-related injuries. Laboratories must store these blood samples for up to 21 days or until the patient is discharged or dies, with a waiver allowed if the sample is tested and cannot be retained for medical reasons. The bill aims to improve coordination between county coroners and ensure proper preservation of potential evidence in death investigations.

Government Affairs

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1194/details