2013 Indiana Code TITLE 16. HEALTH ARTICLE 36. MEDICAL CONSENT CHAPTER 2. CONSENT TO AUTOPSY
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IC 16-36-2
Chapter 2. Consent to Autopsy
IC 16-36-2-1
Autopsy defined
Sec. 1. For purposes of this chapter, "autopsy" means the
dissection of a dead body for the purpose of ascertaining the cause,
seat, and nature of a disease or for the purpose of inquiring into the
cause of death.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.19.
IC 16-36-2-2
Form of consent
Sec. 2. For the purpose of this chapter, the consent to an autopsy
must contain the purpose of and extent of the dissection so
authorized and may be obtained only by the use of at least one (1) of
the following:
(1) A written instrument.
(2) A telegram.
(3) A witnessed telephone conversation.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.19.
IC 16-36-2-3
Persons authorized to give consent
Sec. 3. (a) For the purpose of this chapter, consent for a licensed
physician to conduct an autopsy of the body of a deceased person is
sufficient when given by the following persons if the persons survive
the deceased:
(1) By the surviving spouse. However, if the deceased and the
surviving spouse were legally separated at the date of death, the
survivor is not considered a surviving spouse.
(2) If there is no surviving spouse, then by any one (1) adult
child of the deceased.
(3) If there is no surviving spouse or adult child of the deceased,
then by one (1) parent of the deceased.
(4) If there is no surviving spouse, adult child, or parent and
there is an adult who is next of kin of the deceased residing in
the county in which the deceased died a resident, then by any
one (1) next of kin.
(5) If there is no surviving spouse, adult child, parent, or next of
kin, then by any person assuming custody of and financial
responsibility for the burial of the body.
(b) If there is more than one (1) person authorized to consent,
consent of one (1) of the persons is sufficient.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.19.
IC 16-36-2-4
Conclusiveness of consent
Sec. 4. Consent to an autopsy in accordance with this chapter is
conclusive as to any rights in the body of a deceased person as
against any claim by any other person, but only for the purpose of
performing the autopsy.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.19.
IC 16-36-2-5
Effect of chapter on other laws
Sec. 5. This chapter supplements the laws concerning autopsies
and does not do any of the following:
(1) Repeal, modify, or amend laws concerning autopsies.
(2) Require consent for a coroner to perform an autopsy in the
discharge of the coroner's duties.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.19.
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