§ 13913 — Removal of bodies to morgue

(a) Unidentified or unclaimed body.--If the body of a deceased individual is unidentified or unclaimed by a proper individual located within the county, the body shall be removed to the county morgue or, in a county of the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth class, to a facility serving in lieu of the county morgue. If necessary, the coroner shall have the body properly embalmed or prepared for preservation for the length of time the coroner determines is required to determine the deceased's identity, the identity of a party responsible for the deceased and the cause and manner of death. The body may only be examined or inspected by an individual authorized by the coroner or who is admitted in the coroner's presence.

(b) Removal from morgue.--A body may not be removed from a morgue except upon the authorization of the coroner.