Texas Statutes
Article 49.25. Medical Examiners
Section 11. Records

Sec. 11. RECORDS. (a) The medical examiner shall keep full and complete records properly indexed, giving the name if known of every person whose death is investigated, the place where the body was found, the date, the cause and manner of death, and shall issue a death certificate. The full report and detailed findings of the autopsy, if any, shall be a part of the record. Copies of all records shall promptly be delivered to the proper district, county, or criminal district attorney in any case where further investigation is advisable. The records may not be withheld, subject to a discretionary exception under Chapter 552, Government Code, except that a photograph or x-ray of a body taken during an autopsy is excepted from required public disclosure in accordance with Chapter 552, Government Code, but is subject to disclosure:
(1) under a subpoena or authority of other law; or
(2) if the photograph or x-ray is of the body of a person who died while in the custody of law enforcement.
(b) Under the exception to public disclosure provided by Subsection (a), a governmental body as defined by Section 552.003, Government Code, may withhold a photograph or x-ray described by Subsection (a) without requesting a decision from the attorney general under Subchapter G, Chapter 552, Government Code. This subsection does not affect the required disclosure of a photograph or x-ray under Subsection (a)(1) or (2).
(c) The medical examiner may release a copy of an autopsy report of a deceased person to any organ and tissue procurement organization, hospital, or other covered entity as defined by Section 181.001, Health and Safety Code, that treated the deceased person before death or procured any anatomical gift from the body of the deceased person. The release of a report under this subsection is not considered a disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code. A report obtained under this subsection is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.

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