2006 Utah Code - 26-4-7 — Custody by medical examiner.

     26-4-7.   Custody by medical examiner.
     Upon notification under Section 26-4-8 or investigation by the medical examiner's office, the medical examiner shall assume custody of a deceased body if it appears that death was:
     (1) by violence, gunshot, suicide, or accident unless the accident is a highway accident. If the death was from a highway accident, custody shall only be assumed if an autopsy is required or permitted under the provisions of Section 26-4-13 or if requested by the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the highway accident;
     (2) sudden death while in apparent good health;
     (3) unattended deaths, except that an autopsy may only be performed in accordance with the provisions of Subsection 26-4-9(3);
     (4) under suspicious or unusual circumstances;
     (5) resulting from poisoning or overdose of drugs;
     (6) resulting from diseases that may constitute a threat to the public health;
     (7) resulting from disease, injury, toxic effect, or unusual exertion incurred within the scope of the decedent's employment;
     (8) due to sudden infant death syndrome;
     (9) resulting while the decedent was in prison, jail, police custody, the state hospital, or in a detention or medical facility operated for the treatment of the mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or delinquent persons;
     (10) associated with diagnostic or therapeutic procedures; or
     (11) described in this section when request is made to assume custody by a county or district attorney or law enforcement agency in connection with a potential homicide investigation or prosecution.

Amended by Chapter 278, 2001 General Session