The District Twenty Medical Examiner is required by Florida Statute 406 to conduct an investigation of all sudden, unexpected, natural, suspicious or violent deaths. Additionally, when a deceased person is to be cremated, dissected or buried at sea or brought into the state without proper medical certification, the Medical Examiner is called to investigate. The purpose of the investigation is to determine the cause and the circumstances of the death.
Q: What about organ and tissue donation?
A: Whenever possible, the Medical Examiner will allow removal of organs for transplant or harvesting of tissues, if the next-of-kin requests it. Many tissues such as bone, fascia, cornea and heart valves may be used for transplantation if removed within approximately 12-24 hours after death. Organs such as kidneys and liver are not suitable for transplantation from cadaver donors and may only be obtained from donors on life support.
For more information contact: University of Miami
1-800-232-2892
Fax: (305) 243-5139
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Q: Why is an investigation necessary?
A: In Florida, a person's doctor does not sign a death certificate if the death falls under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner or if he is not treating the patient for the natural disease that caused the patient's death. In practical terms, if a doctor has not seen a patient in over 30 days, or if he did not expect the patient to die, or if the death is not from natural causes, the personal physician will not sign the death certificate and the Medical Examiner will be called upon to investigate. Investigations, including autopsies, are performed by the Medical Examiners who are medical doctors with specialized training in pathology and forensic pathology. There is no charge to the family for these services.
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Q: Does an autopsy interfere with viewing and funeral arrangements?
A: The incisions made during an autopsy are unobtrusive and will not interfere with a viewing. The body will ordinarily be released the day following the discovery of death.
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Q: What happens during an investigation?
A: The Medical Examiner assumes charge of the body, may review past medical history, may speak to the family about the deceased and may retain items related to the death, or give these items to law enforcement. Any valuables that accompany the body to the Medical Examiners Office are usually handed over to the funeral home, or may be returned to the family. Some questions asked of the family are to provide medical information for the Medical Examiner, while other questions are asked for death certification purposes.
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Q: What benefits are derived from an autopsy?
A: The autopsy can help answer future questions for the family or for future litigation regarding the circumstances surrounding the death. It may also uncover an undiagnosed medical condition which can provide important information for family.
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Q: Is an autopsy always required?
A: When reasonable doubt about the cause or the circumstances of death exists or for other legal purposes, an autopsy will be performed by the Medical Examiner. In some cases, an autopsy is not necessary because the deceased has documented natural disease that is likely to cause death and the circumstances surrounding the death support his known disease state. In those cases an external examination is performed. Although permission for an autopsy by the next-of-kin is not required, the Medical Examiner will take all necessary steps to insure that the family is aware that an autopsy will be performed and the reason an autopsy may be necessary. All objections to the autopsy will be carefully discussed with the family and every attempt will be made to meet the family's wishes.
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