2014 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 44 - Public Records and Recorders
RS 44:19 - Records of a coroner; autopsy photographs, video, and other visual images
§19. Records of a coroner; autopsy photographs, video, and other visual images
A.(1) Notwithstanding any provision of this Chapter to the contrary, any medical record or personal medical history of a deceased person in the custody of a coroner shall be confidential and shall not be subject to examination, inspection, or copying pursuant to R.S. 44:31, 32, or 33.
(2) For purposes of this Subsection, the phrase "medical record or personal medical history of a deceased person" shall mean information regarding the physical, mental, or behavioral health or condition of a deceased person prior to death.
(3) The provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection shall not apply to a death certificate, final report of a coroner, or autopsy report.
B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, photographs, video, or other visual images, in whatever form, of or relating to an autopsy conducted under the authority of the office of the coroner shall be confidential, are deemed not to be public records, and shall not be released by the office of the coroner or any officer, employee, or agent thereof except as otherwise provided in this Section.
C. Nothing in this Section shall prevent the release of information in the custody of a coroner, including autopsy photographs, video, or other visual images, in whatever form, of or relating to an autopsy conducted under the authority of the office of the coroner as follows:
(1) To a family member of the deceased or his designee.
(2) To the succession representative of the deceased's estate or his designee.
(3) To a law enforcement agency, for official use only.
(4) To a qualified dentist, forensic anthropologist, or forensic pathologist as necessary to establish the identity of the deceased.
(5) As directed by a court order or subpoena.
D. Nothing in this Section shall prevent the inspection of photographs, video, or other visual images, in whatever form, of or relating to an autopsy.
Acts 2001, No. 117, §1; Acts 2010, No. 849, §1, eff. June 30, 2010.
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Louisiana may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
