§ 20-27-1705 — Investigation

(a) (1) A copy of a child death investigation report required under this subchapter, including information from law enforcement agencies, coroners, fire departments, or medical providers, or any other information relative to the death investigation shall be provided to the Arkansas Child Death Review Panel within thirty (30) days from the date the Arkansas Child Death Review Panel requests the information. (2) Subdivision (a)(1) of this section is not applicable to a death that is under criminal investigation or prosecution or has been adjudicated in a court of law. (b) (1) The Arkansas Child Death Review Panel or a local or regional review panel may access medical records and vital records in the custody of physicians, hospitals, clinics, other healthcare providers, and the Department of Health concerning the unexpected death of the child being investigated. (2) The Arkansas Child Death Review Panel may request any other information, documents, or records pertaining to the completed investigation of unexpected deaths of children. (c) Nothing in this subchapter shall alter or restrict the authority or jurisdiction of a county coroner. (d) When the Arkansas Child Death Review Panel determines that a parent or guardian was treating a child according to the tenets and practices of a recognized religious method of treatment that has a reasonable proven record of success, the Arkansas Child Death Review Panel is not required to make a finding of negligent treatment or maltreatment.

Legislative History

Acts 2005, No. 1818, § 1.