Bill > H2392

This bill modifies the Massachusetts General Laws regarding medical examiner autopsy reports by establishing a new requirement that when a medical examiner takes jurisdiction over a deceased person's case, they must complete an autopsy report within 90 days and provide it to legally entitled recipients. If the medical examiner cannot meet this 90-day timeline, they must provide a notice of delay that includes the expected completion date and reason for the postponement. Additionally, the bill mandates that every two years (by December 31 of each even-numbered year), the medical examiner must submit a comprehensive report to the state legislature's clerks and the joint committee on public health. This biennial report must detail the number of autopsies completed within the 90-day window, the number of autopsies that exceeded this timeline, and explanations for why those autopsies were not finished within the specified period. The goal appears to be increasing transparency and accountability in the medical examiner's office by establishing clear timelines and reporting requirements for autopsy investigations.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2392