Medical Examiner information

Why is a body brought to the Medical Examiner’s Office?
Bodies of deceased persons are brought to this office because the law requires that the medical examiner investigate deaths of persons dying from "violence, or suddenly when in apparent health, or in any suspicious, unusual or unnatural manner." The medical examiner is responsible for determining the cause and manner of their death. A body may also be brought to the Medical Examiner’s Office if the identity of the deceased or the next of kin is unknown.

What is an autopsy?
The word autopsy literally means to see for one's self. An autopsy is a systematic examination of the body of a deceased person by a qualified forensic pathologist. The body is inspected for the presence of disease or injury and specimens of the vital organs and/or body fluids may be taken for microscopic, chemical or other tests. In rare instances, an entire organ might need to be retained for detailed examination and/or consultation with a specialist. These tests are conducted following conclusion of the examination and do not delay release of the body to the next of kin. The autopsy procedure usually takes several hours to complete. The fact that an autopsy has been conducted does NOT in any way interfere with having the body on view at the funeral.

Are all cases accepted by the Medical Examiner’s Office autopsied?
No. Autopsies are conducted for a variety of reasons, including documentation of injuries or determination of the cause of the death. Some cases may receive certain forensic tests combined with external examination of the body in lieu of an autopsy. The decision as to whether or not an autopsy will be performed is at the discretion of the forensic pathologist assigned to the case.
 

Can I prevent an autopsy from taking place?
The legal next-of-kin should inform our office of any objection they may have to an autopsy being performed. The Medical Examiner’s Office is sensitive to the needs of the family and will seriously consider their objection. However, in many cases an autopsy is required by law and we will be unable to comply with the family’s request.

Is there a charge for a medical examiner autopsy?
No. The costs for autopsies performed under the medical examiner system are paid for by our tax dollars.

How do I arrange to have the body released?
To have a body released from the Medical Examiner’s Office, the family must inform our office of the funeral director that has been selected. Our office will then directly contact the funeral director when the body is available for release.

When will the body be released from the Medical Examiner’s Office?
Nearly all cases are available for release within 24 hours after arrival. Occasionally, a body may need to be held longer than 24 hours for additional forensic testing or if special procedures are necessary to confirm the identity of the deceased.

How can a funeral director be selected?
Usually, the next-of-kin discusses the selection of a funeral director with other members of the family, clergy, or friends. Our staff is prohibited from recommending a funeral director.

Where may the deceased’s personal property be located?
In many cases, the property on the person of the deceased is transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office with the body. At our office, the personal property is inventoried, stored and released to the funeral director at the time of release of the body.

Where do I obtain a copy of the death certificate?
Death certificates can be obtained from the Health Department in the county where the death occurred, or from State Vital Records, (615) 741-1763.

Can I obtain a copy of the autopsy report?
Tennessee law states that medical examiner autopsy reports are considered public documents. In cases where the manner of death is not homicide, copies will be prepared upon written request. Homicide cases will only be released with the written approval of the District Attorney General. There may be a nominal charge.

How long does it take to receive an autopsy report?
Most autopsy reports are completed and ready for release within 6 - 8 weeks. In certain cases, additional tests may need to be performed which will delay completion of the report for several additional weeks.

Who do I speak with if I have questions about the autopsy or the autopsy report?
Questions should be referred to the forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy.

Will acceptance of a case by the Medical Examiner’s Office mean that organ or tissue donation cannot take place?
No. The Medical Examiner’s Office supports the community efforts to promote organ and tissue donation whenever possible. Our staff will coordinate with the personnel of the organ bank to maximize the chance of organ and tissue recovery.

If we have no money for burial to whom can we turn for assistance?
In Nashville, the Metropolitan Government Social Service’s department may be able to assist families with financial problems. They can be contacted at (615) 341-4130. Burial assistance in Memphis is handled directly through the Shelby County Medical Examiner’s office.