§ 27-14-509 — Autopsy may be required; procedure

Upon the filing of a claim for compensation for death for which
an autopsy is necessary to accurately and scientifically
ascertain and determine the cause of death, a hearing examiner
may order an autopsy. The hearing examiner may designate a
licensed physician who is a specialist in autopsies to perform
or attend the autopsy and to certify his findings. The autopsy
findings are a public record and shall be filed with the
division. The hearing examiner may exercise the authority on his
own motion or on an application made to him at any time by any
party in interest upon the presentation of facts showing that a
controversy may exist in regard to the cause of death or the
existence of any compensable injury. All proceedings for
compensation shall be suspended upon refusal of a claimant or
his representative to permit an autopsy when ordered and no
compensation shall be payable during the continuance of the
refusal.