CHAPTER 2. CONSENT TO AUTOPSY

IC 16-36-2
    Chapter 2. Consent to Autopsy

IC 16-36-2-1
Autopsy defined
    Sec. 1. For purposes of this chapter, "autopsy" means thedissection of a dead body for the purpose of ascertaining the cause,seat, and nature of a disease or for the purpose of inquiring into thecause of death.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.19.

IC 16-36-2-2
Form of consent
    Sec. 2. For the purpose of this chapter, the consent to an autopsymust contain the purpose of and extent of the dissection soauthorized and may be obtained only by the use of at least one (1) ofthe following:
        (1) A written instrument.
        (2) A telegram.
        (3) A witnessed telephone conversation.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.19.

IC 16-36-2-3
Persons authorized to give consent
    Sec. 3. (a) For the purpose of this chapter, consent for a licensedphysician to conduct an autopsy of the body of a deceased person issufficient when given by the following persons if the persons survivethe deceased:
        (1) By the surviving spouse. However, if the deceased and thesurviving spouse were legally separated at the date of death, thesurvivor is not considered a surviving spouse.
        (2) If there is no surviving spouse, then by any one (1) adultchild of the deceased.
        (3) If there is no surviving spouse or adult child of the deceased,then by one (1) parent of the deceased.
        (4) If there is no surviving spouse, adult child, or parent andthere is an adult who is next of kin of the deceased residing inthe county in which the deceased died a resident, then by anyone (1) next of kin.
        (5) If there is no surviving spouse, adult child, parent, or next ofkin, then by any person assuming custody of and financialresponsibility for the burial of the body.
    (b) If there is more than one (1) person authorized to consent,consent of one (1) of the persons is sufficient.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.19.

IC 16-36-2-4
Conclusiveness of consent
    Sec. 4. Consent to an autopsy in accordance with this chapter isconclusive as to any rights in the body of a deceased person as

against any claim by any other person, but only for the purpose ofperforming the autopsy.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.19.

IC 16-36-2-5
Effect of chapter on other laws
    Sec. 5. This chapter supplements the laws concerning autopsiesand does not do any of the following:
        (1) Repeal, modify, or amend laws concerning autopsies.
        (2) Require consent for a coroner to perform an autopsy in thedischarge of the coroner's duties.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.19.