N.H. Admin. Code § Jus 2004.09

Current through Register No. 45, November 7, 2024

Section Jus 2004.09 - Autopsy Report

(a) The CME, DCME, or CME's designee shall prepare a report detailing the observations and findings for each autopsy performed. Such report shall indicate whether such observations and findings are within normal limits for the individual organs or anatomical structures and the forensic relevance of such observations and findings.

(b) Each autopsy report prepared pursuant to (a) above shall contain the following general information and address the following issues, or attach the following items:

(1) The case number;

(2) The following information about the deceased, if known:

a. Name;

b. Age; and

c. Date of death;

(3) Date of pronouncement of death;

(4) Date of examination;

(5) The location and complete address of where the autopsy was performed;

(6) The name and title of the person who performed the autopsy;

(7) The name of the DME or ADME who performed the scene investigation and the county in which it was performed;

(8) The name, title, and agency of each witness present for the autopsy;

(9) How identity of the deceased was established;

(10) Whether photographs were taken or other visual imaging processes were used at autopsy;

(11) A general description of how the body appeared on first examination, including but not limited to:

a. Observations regarding clothing;

b. Presence of jewelry, including whether such jewelry was on the body or vouchered and transported with the body;

c. A description of all other items vouchered and transported with the body; and

d. Presence of therapeutic devices;

(12) The forensic significance of all items transported with the body and each such item's disposition.

(c) Each autopsy report prepared pursuant to (a) above shall contain a description of the body, based upon external examination, that at a minimum addresses the following:

(1) The apparent state of development and nourishment;

(2) The apparent race;

(3) Whether appearance seems to be consistent with known age;

(4) Its length and weight, and for infants and toddlers the age-appropriate percentile for such measurements, including head, chest, and abdominal circumference;

(5) Observations regarding rigor mortis and livor mortis;

(6) Its relative temperature;

(7) The scalp hair color and length;

(8) For infants and toddlers, the presence or absence of:

a. Icterus;

b. Edema;

c. Cyanosis; and

d. Lesions on the skin;

(9) Observations regarding the:

a. Head, and for infants and toddlers, its circumference;

b. Eyes;

c. Ears;

d. Nose and mouth;

e. Teeth, including natural teeth, dentures, or both;

f. Neck;

g. Chest and breasts, and for infants and toddlers, the circumference at the nipples;

h. The abdomen, and for infants and toddlers, the circumference at the umbilicus; and

i. External genitalia, anus and perineum;

(10) A description of any scars or tattoos;

(11) A description of any other surface features;

(12) A description of any therapeutic procedures; and

(13) A description of any injuries to the:

a. Head and neck;

b. Trunk; and

c. Extremities.

(d) Each autopsy report prepared pursuant to (a) above shall contain a complete description, based upon internal examination, of the following organs, systems and structures:

(1) The thoracic and abdominal organs, and body cavities;

(2) Head and nervous system, including the weight of the brain;

(3) The neck, including all structures and organs, and for infants and toddlers, the weight of the thymus;

(4) The cardiovascular system, including the coronary arterial system and heart, including the weight of the heart;

(5) The respiratory system, including the presence of any foreign material or blockage and the lungs, including the weight of each lung;

(6) Liver and biliary system, including the weight of the liver;

(7) The gastrointestinal system, including stomach contents, and whether the appendix is present;

(8) The genitourinary system, including:

a. The kidneys and their weight;

b. The content of the urinary bladder;

c. For a male, the prostate gland and testes;

d. For a female, the:

1. Uterine cervix;

2. Uterus;

3. Vagina; and

4. Fallopian tubes and ovaries;

(9) The endocrine system;

(10) The lymphoreticular system, including the weight of the spleen; and

(11) The musculoskeletal system.

(e) Each autopsy report prepared pursuant to (a) above shall describe all diagnostic studies actually conducted and their results, including:

(1) Chemical analysis of blood and body fluids;

(2) Serologic analysis of blood;

(3) Radiographs; and

(4) Other laboratory or special studies.

(f) Each autopsy report prepared pursuant to (a) above shall contain a summary of all findings of forensic significance.

(g) Each autopsy report prepared pursuant to (a) above shall contain a conclusion, based upon the investigation and autopsy, setting forth an opinion as to the mechanism, cause and manner of death.

(h) Each autopsy report prepared pursuant to (a) above shall contain a statement setting forth the other significant conditions that contributed to the cause of death, if such were found.

(i) Each autopsy report prepared pursuant to (a) above shall contain a list of any attachments, including but not limited to diagrams and written diagnostic study reports; and

(j) The CME, DCME, or designated pathologist shall sign and date the completed report.

N.H. Admin. Code § Jus 2004.09

#8937, eff 7-14-07