§ 26B-8-205 — Jurisdiction of medical examiner.

Upon notification under Section 26B-8-206 or investigation by the medical examiner's office, the medical examiner shall assume jurisdiction over a deceased body if it appears that death:
(1) was by violence, gunshot, suicide, or accident;
(2) was sudden death while in apparent good health;
(3) occurred unattended, except that an autopsy may only be performed in accordance with the provisions of Subsection 26B-8-207(3);
(4) occurred under suspicious or unusual circumstances;
(5) resulted from poisoning or overdose of drugs;
(6) resulted from a disease that may constitute a threat to the public health;
(7) resulted from disease, injury, toxic effect, or unusual exertion incurred within the scope of the decedent's employment;
(8) was due to sudden unexpected infant death;
(9) occurred while the decedent was in prison, jail, police custody, the state hospital, or in a detention or medical facility operated for the treatment of persons with a mental illness, persons who are emotionally disturbed, or delinquent persons;
(10) resulted directly from the actions of a law enforcement officer, as defined in Section 53-13-103;
(11) was associated with diagnostic or therapeutic procedures; or
(12) was described in this section when request is made to assume custody by a county or district attorney or law enforcement agency in connection with a potential homicide investigation or prosecution.

Legislative History

Amended by Chapter 240, 2024 General Session