STATE OF OKLAHOMA

1st Session of the 54th Legislature (2013)

SENATE BILL 55	By:	Anderson

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner; amending 63 O.S. 2011, Section 933, which relates to facilities used for autopsies; requiring certain accreditation; making language gender neutral; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1.     AMENDATORY     63 O.S. 2011, Section 945, is amended to read as follows:
Section 945.  A.  When properly authorized, an autopsy shall be performed by the Chief Medical Examiner or such person as may be designated by him the Chief Medical Examiner for such purpose.  The Chief Medical Examiner or a person designated by him the Chief Medical Examiner may authorize arterial embalming of the body prior to the autopsy when such embalming would, in his the opinion of the Chief Medical Examiner, not interfere with the autopsy.  The autopsy shall be made of such parts of the body as is deemed necessary by the person performing the autopsy.  A full and complete report of the facts developed by the autopsy together with the findings of the person making it shall be prepared and filed in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner without unnecessary delay.  Copies of such reports and findings shall be furnished to district attorneys and law enforcement officers making a criminal investigation in connection with the death. The next of kin, or any one of them if more than one, may designate a physician to be present when the autopsy is conducted.
B.  All autopsies must be performed at a facility accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).  A facility must receive accreditation from NAME within one (1) year of November 1, 2013, maintain that accreditation, and operate pursuant to NAME guidelines.
SECTION 2.  This act shall become effective November 1, 2013.

54-1-684	JAM	1/2/2013 10:48:12 AM