Why are autopsies performed?

Q. Why are autopsies performed? 

A. In Maryland, a death certificate must be completed by a doctor for all deaths before the body can be sent to the funeral home. When the person has a family doctor and dies from natural causes, the doctor can complete the death certificate and an autopsy may be unnecessary. However, if the person is not under the care of a physician or the death appears to be unusual or suspicious in nature or state law requires it, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner must be notified to begin an investigation and determine the cause of death so that the death certificate can be completed. In some situations, a hospital or state-licensed physician may, with the permission of the family, perform an autopsy. 

Source: Andrew G. Slutkin and Jamison G. White specialize in medical malpractice and catastrophic injury law with Silverman, Thompson, Slutkin & White in Baltimore. They can be reached at www.mdattorney.com.

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