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2025 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Title 16 - COUNTIES
Chapter 139 - Coroner
Section 13921 - Sudden death

Universal Citation:
16 PA Cons Stat § 13921 (2025)
Learn more This media-neutral citation is based on the American Association of Law Libraries Universal Citation Guide and is not necessarily the official citation.
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§ 13921. Sudden death.

(a) Recognition.--The coroner shall recognize a death as sudden if all of the following apply:

(1) The death occurs without prior medical attendance by an individual who may lawfully execute a certificate of death in this Commonwealth.

(2) Within 24 hours of death the decedent:

(i) was discharged from medical attendance;

(ii) had a change of medical attendance occur; or

(iii) had medical attendance and the medical attendant refuses or is unable to certify the cause of death.

(b) Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the coroner's discretion in determining if a death is suspicious or to authorize a coroner to investigate a sudden death further than necessary to determine the cause and manner of death.

(c) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "medical attendance" shall include treatment or care at a facility providing medical services, including a hospital, nursing home and hospice service.

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