Autopsies, Post Mortem Reports & Recorders Confidential Exceptions
Reports and records of autopsies or post mortems shall be confidential, except that the following person may examine and obtain copies of any such report or record:
- The personal representative of the decedent as defined in RCW 11.025
- Any family member
- The attending physician
- The prosecuting attorney
- Law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction
- Public health officials
- Department of Labor and Industries in cases in which is has an interest under RCW 68.50.103
The Coroner or the attending physician shall, upon request, meet with the family of the decedent to discuss the findings of the autopsy or post mortem. For the purposes of this section, the term “family” of the decedent, means:
- Any child
- Brother
- Grandchild
- Grandparent
- Parent
- Sister
- Surviving spouse
- Or any person who was the guardian of the decedent at the time of death
Per the codes 1987 c331’58; 1985 c300’1; 1977 c79’2; 1953 c 188’ p. Formerly RCW 68.08.105.
Read the full statute - RCW 68.50.105.