§ 36-2-14-21 — Coroners obtaining decedent's health records; coroners provide health records to investigative units

(a) As used in this section, "health records"
means written, electronic, or printed information possessed by a
provider concerning any diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis of the
patient. The term includes mental health records, alcohol and drug
abuse records, and emergency ambulance service records.
(b) As used in this section, "provider" has the meaning set forth in
IC 16-18-2-295(b).
(c) As part of a medical examination or autopsy conducted under
this chapter, a coroner may obtain a copy of the decedent's health
records.
(d) Except as provided in subsection (e), health records obtained
under this section are confidential.
(e) The coroner may provide the health records of a decedent that
were obtained under this section to a prosecuting attorney or law
enforcement agency that is investigating the individual's death. Health
records received from a coroner under this subsection are confidential.
(f) A person who receives confidential records or information under
this section and knowingly or intentionally discloses the records or
information to an unauthorized person commits a Class A
misdemeanor.

Legislative History

As added by P.L.28-2002, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.1-2007, SEC.240.