Alabama House Bill HB383

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/25
• Refer: 3/4/25
• Report Pass: 4/16/25

Caption

Medical examiners, criminal penalties established for medical examiner retaining deceased person's organs in certain circumstances

Impact

The enactment of HB 383 will introduce criminal penalties for medical examiners who do not comply with these provisions. Specifically, it establishes that a medical examiner who retains a deceased person’s organs without the appropriate notification and consent from the next of kin commits a Class C felony. This measure is designed to protect the interests of families and ensure ethical practices within forensic procedures, ultimately creating greater accountability for medical professionals in these sensitive situations.

Summary

House Bill 383 aims to regulate the practices of medical examiners regarding the retention of deceased persons' organs. It specifically amends existing legislation to clarify the circumstances under which a medical examiner can retain organs. The bill mandates that medical examiners must notify the next of kin and obtain their consent for retaining organs for purposes beyond determining identification or the cause of death. This change seeks to enhance the rights of individuals and their families regarding the handling of their deceased relatives' remains.

Contention

The bill may generate discussions around ethical considerations and the balance of authority between medical examiners and families of the deceased. Supporters of the bill advocate for the importance of family autonomy and informed consent, particularly in cases of organ retention for research beyond necessary medical evaluations. Critics might argue this could complicate forensic investigations or limit essential medical research, but the bill emphasizes the necessity of family notification as a step towards respecting the rights and wishes of deceased persons and their families.