Massachusetts House Bill H2392

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Relative to autopsy reports by the medical examiner

Impact

This legislation would impact existing statutes concerning the duties of the medical examiner, particularly in ensuring timely delivery of autopsy reports. By mandating that reports be completed within a specific period, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency of death investigations and foster trust in the system. Moreover, the requirement for reporting delays to involved parties not only promotes transparency but also allows for better management of public expectations regarding the investigation and autopsy process.

Summary

House Bill 2392 seeks to amend the General Laws of Massachusetts with respect to the handling and reporting of autopsy reports by the medical examiner. The bill stipulates that when the medical examiner takes jurisdiction over a deceased individual, an autopsy must be conducted, and a report must be provided to legally entitled parties within 90 days. This establishes a clear timeline for the communication of autopsy results, improving transparency and accountability in the public health domain. An important addition to the law is the provision that allows the medical examiner to issue a notice of delay if the report cannot be completed in the stipulated timeframe, explaining the reason for the delay.

Contention

Although the bill aims to streamline autopsy processes and improve public health oversight, there may be points of contention regarding the feasibility of meeting the 90-day deadline. Critics may argue that unexpected complexities in the investigation could undermine the ability of medical examiners to consistently adhere to this timeline. Therefore, the provision for reporting delays is a critical component that may help mitigate such concerns while ensuring that legal rights of the involved parties are respected.