§ 17C-5B-2 — To whom and how county medical examiners report results of blood tests; such reports admissible as evidence; use of reports only for statistical and highway safety purposes

Each county medical examiner shall immediately report the results of each blood test conducted under the authority of section one of this article by him or conducted at his request, to the chief medical examiner of the office of medical examinations and to the department of public safety. Results of such blood test or any report thereof may be admissible in evidence, if material, in any action or proceeding of any kind in any court or before any tribunal, board, or agency.

The department of public safety shall compile the data from all such reports submitted to it on a monthly basis. The department shall forward such compilations to the Governor's highway safety administration and the department of motor vehicles. Such compilations shall be for statistical purposes and highway safety information and be disclosed or revealed in any manner necessary. The identity of any dead person whose blood was tested under the provisions of section one of this article may be disclosed or revealed when necessary for evidence in any action or proceeding of any kind in any court or before any tribunal, board or agency.

The department of public safety, the Governor's highway safety administration and the department of motor vehicles shall make use of such compilations in a manner to provide accurate and useful statistical information to government and the public relative to achieving a reduction in motor vehicle accidents arising in whole or in part from the imbibing of alcohol by motor vehicle drivers and adult pedestrians.

Legislative History

1989 Reg. Sess., HB2170; 1983 Reg. Sess., HB1402; 1974 Reg. Sess., HB704