Bill > HB2358

This bill modifies West Virginia's law regarding postmortem examinations (autopsies) by establishing specific timeframes and protocols for conducting and reporting autopsy findings. When requested by a prosecuting attorney or judge, an autopsy must now be conducted within 72 hours of the decedent's receipt by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The bill requires that a full report of autopsy findings be filed with the Chief Medical Examiner, and within 24 hours of completion, a copy of the autopsy report must be provided to the prosecuting attorney of the county where the death or contributing injury occurred. The bill maintains existing provisions that allow the Chief Medical Examiner to release autopsy records to various parties, including hospitals, attending physicians, and state agencies, when deemed to be in the public interest. Additionally, in cases of suspected infant death syndrome or drug overdose, the bill mandates specific notification procedures, such as informing the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome program or the Controlled Substances Monitoring Program Database Review Committee. The legislation aims to standardize and expedite the autopsy process while ensuring appropriate information sharing for investigative and public health purposes.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2358&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill