Table of Contents
How do I get an autopsy report in Washington State?
How to order autopsy and investigator reports
- To obtain an autopsy and/or investigator report, you must be a family member of the deceased (RCW 68.50.105)
- Complete the records request form (for pre-1995 deaths, see below) and email it along with a COPY OF YOUR LEGAL PHOTO IDENTIFICATION to [email protected].
Are autopsies required in Washington State?
A: Washington State Law gives the Coroner authority to decide if an autopsy is necessary to determine the most likely cause of death of a person. Not every death will require an autopsy, but if one is required, the autopsy is usually performed within 48 hours.
How can you request an autopsy?
You can request an autopsy if you are the person’s next of kin or are the legally responsible party. You will need to sign a consent form to give permission for the autopsy. Reasons you may ask for an autopsy include: Doctors can’t tell you why the person died.
Are autopsy reports public record in Washington?
Request a Copy of an Autopsy or Postmortem Report The postmortem report is confidential in the state of Washington per RCW 68.50. 105.
Is cause of death Public Record in Washington?
Yes, the DOH issues non-certified/informational copies of Washington death records to members of the public who apply for them. However, the decedent’s social security number, as well as cause and manner of death, are redacted and it cannot be used for any legal transaction.
Who pays for autopsy in Washington state?
(1) The cost of autopsy shall be borne by the county in which the autopsy is performed, except when requested by the department of labor and industries, in which case, the department shall bear the cost of such autopsy.
How soon after death must an autopsy be performed?
A post-mortem will be carried out as soon as possible, usually within 2 to 3 working days of a person’s death. In some cases, it may be possible for it to take place within 24 hours.
How long can a Medical Examiner hold a body?
Homicides are held 24 hours after the autopsy before they are released. The next-of-kin are allowed 72 hours following notification of death to make arrangements to have their loved one picked-up to avoid storage charges.
Are death records public in Washington state?
Most Washington death records are open to members of the public. However, some death records include a confidential section. The information in this section is usually unavailable unless the record is obtained with a court order authorizing the disclosure of this information.
How do I find the cause of death in Washington state?
To obtain death records in Washington, interested parties must contact the Center for Health Statistics – Department of Health (DOH) or the local health department of the county where the death occurred. The DOH maintains records from July 1, 1907, to date for deaths that occurred in the state.
How much is a full autopsy?
Autopsies are not covered under Medicare, Medicaid or most insurance plans, though some hospitals — teaching hospitals in particular — do not charge for autopsies of individuals who passed away in the facility. A private autopsy by an outside expert can cost between $3,000 and $5,000.
Where is the Snohomish County medical examiner&coroner located?
Address, Phone Number, and Fax Number for Snohomish County Medical Examiner & Coroner, a Coroner & Medical Examiner, at 29th Avenue West, Everett WA. View map of Snohomish County Medical Examiner & Coroner, and get driving directions from your location .
How do I find a death record in Snohomish County?
The Snohomish County Medical Examiner & Coroner, located in Everett, WA, keeps death records for individuals who passed away in Everett. The Coroner and Medical Examiner determines a deceased person’s time and cause of death, often in the case of sudden or unexpected deaths.
What does the Snohomish County medical office do?
The office identifies bodies, notifies the next of kin, and returns personal belongings to the family. They also work with Snohomish County police and sheriff’s offices to investigate suspicious or violent deaths.