Q&A: Autopsy reports and coroner reports

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From the North Vernon Plain Dealer & North Vernon Sun:

Q: Are autopsy reports public records? 

A: Autopsy reports are public records but may be kept confidential at the discretion of the coroner as investigatory records.

The coroner does have to complete a separate coroner’s report after the autopsy is completed, including receipt of toxicology reports, etc.

The coroner’s report is a record that must be made available for copying and inspection by the public and must include the cause of death, manner of death and mechanism of death.

Contact Steve Key, HSPA executive director and general counsel, with media law questions at skey@hspa.com or (317) 624-4427.