Sec. 6. (a) If:
(1) a death or stillbirth occurred without medical attendance; or
(2) the physician, the physician assistant, or the advanced practice registered nurse last in attendance is physically or mentally unable to sign the certificate of death or stillbirth;
the local health officer shall inquire into the cause of death from anyone having knowledge of the facts regarding the cause of death.
(b) The local health officer may issue a subpoena to obtain information and to employ a qualified pathologist to perform an autopsy when, in the judgment of the local health officer, those procedures are required to complete the inquiry. The local health officer shall then certify the cause of death on the basis of the information.
[Pre-1993 Recodification Citation: 16-1-17-4.]
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.131-2020, SEC.7.
Structure Indiana Code
Chapter 3. Certificates of Death and Stillbirth; Burial Permits
16-37-3-1. "Dead Body" Defined
16-37-3-2. "Person in Charge of Interment" Defined
16-37-3-3. Certificate of Death or Stillbirth; Filing
16-37-3-4. Securing Personal Data for Certificates
16-37-3-5. Electronically Filing Death Certificate; Cause of Death Certification
16-37-3-6. Cause of Death; Certification by Local Health Officer
16-37-3-7. Deaths Referred to the Coroner for Investigation
16-37-3-9. Permanent Records; Public Inspection; Records to County Auditor; Use of Data
16-37-3-10. Permit for Disposal of Body
16-37-3-11. Time for Securing Permit for Disposal of Body
16-37-3-12. Burial Transit Permit
16-37-3-13. Burial Transit Permit; Attachment to Shipping Box
16-37-3-14. Foreign Burial Transit Permit; Endorsement by Local Health Officer
16-37-3-15. Construction of Chapter Regarding Autopsies and Inquests