N.H. Admin. Code § Jus 2005.01

Current through Register No. 50, December 12, 2024

Section Jus 2005.01 - Investigation Report

(a) The responding ME shall complete the appropriate portions of Form ME-1 "DME/ADME Investigation Report" for each death investigated. When the OCME declines jurisdiction after an initial investigation, the responding ME shall complete only those sections specifically designated on page one of the form. Every page upon which information has been recorded shall be signed and dated by the responding ME.

(b) Except as provided in (c) below, the responding ME shall record, to the extent reasonably ascertainable and to the extent the ME deems it necessary to perform the ME's lawful duties, the following regarding each death on or as an attachment to Form ME-1, regardless of whether an autopsy will be performed:

(1) The responding ME's name and date and time the ME was notified;

(2) The county in which the death was discovered;

(3) The following identification information regarding the deceased:

a. Name;

b. Social security number;

c. Date of birth;

d. Sex;

e. Age at death;

f. Race; and

g. Home address;

(4) The date, time and by whom:

a. The deceased was last observed while alive;

b. The death was witnessed;

c. The decedent was found dead or unresponsive; and

d. The death was pronounced;

(5) The place of death, including the complete address;

(6) A brief summary of the case;

(7) The date and time of the incident, if applicable;

(8) Whether the death appears to be work-related;

(9) The incident location, including the complete address, if applicable;

(10) Whether the responding ME was at the scene;

(11) The arrival date and time of the responding ME;

(12) The name, agency, and telephone number of each lead investigator at the scene;

(13) The name of the CME, DCME, or designee the responding ME consulted with, and the date and time of such consultation;

(14) The name of the county attorney, the date and time at which the county attorney was consulted, and whether an autopsy was authorized by the county attorney, if applicable;

(15) The name, address, telephone number, and relationship of next of kin;

(16) Whether next of kin were notified of the death and notified of whether an autopsy was ordered, if applicable;

(17) Whether the responding ME contacted the next of kin;

(18) The name, address, telephone number, and relationship of alternate contact;

(19) The name and contact information of the funeral home to which the remains are to be released;

(20) In an external examination case only, the cause and manner of death and any contributory cause(s) of death;

(21) The marital status of the deceased;

(22) With whom the deceased lived;

(23) The deceased's family relationships;

(24) The employment status and occupation of the deceased;

(25) Whether the deceased used alcohol, tobacco, or engaged in recreational drug use;

(26) Pertinent medical history information of the deceased and the deceased's family;

(27) Whether a list of medications taken by the deceased has been obtained and attached;

(28) Whether the deceased's medical records have been obtained and attached;

(29) The name and contact information of the deceased's attending physician, and whether the physician was contacted by the responding ME;

(30) Whether next of kin were referred for organ donation, and if not, the reason no referral was made;

(31) A description of the relevant environment and climatic conditions; and

(32) A description of the circumstances surrounding discovery of the remains.

(c) The responding ME shall determine and attach or record, to the extent ascertainable, the following:

(1) The location at which the responding ME conducted the external examination of the remains;

(2) The date and time at which the external examination commenced;

(3) Who witnessed the external examination being conducted;

(4) Whether photographs were taken or other imaging processes were used at the scene and upon examination;

(5) Whether a diagram of the scene was created;

(6) In the case of a confirmed identification of the deceased, the means of identification;

(7) In the case of a tentative or unconfirmed identification:

a. The name, address and telephone number of the deceased's dentist;

b. A history of x-rays or surgical procedures;

c. A description of all scars, potentially identifying marks, or tattoos on the deceased;

d. An indication of whether fingerprints are on file, and if so, where; and

e. A description of any identifying marks.

(8) The responding ME's impression of the relative temperature of the deceased's body, including whether it was refrigerated or otherwise cooled prior to examination;

(9) Whether rigor mortis is present and if so, the relative degree in the jaw, neck, arms, and legs;

(10) Whether livor mortis is present and, if so, a description:

(11) A description of the eyes;

(12) A description of all observed changes due to decomposition;

(13) A description of all medical therapies administered;

(14) Whether resuscitation was attempted;

(15) A description of all scars, marks, or tattoos on the body of the deceased;

(16) A description of evidence of any injury;

(17) A description of any antemortem toxicology or other samples that were available or obtained:

(18) A description of any postmortem toxicology or other samples that were obtained;

(19) Whether any items have been seized and vouchered, and if so, the disposition of those items;

(20) In cases where no autopsy will be performed, a description of the general physical characteristics of the deceased;

(21) A description of the head hair and facial hair;

(22) A description of the hair on the body;

(23) A description of the facial area;

(24) A general description of the neck structures;

(25) A description of the dentition;

(26) A description of the chest and breasts, including the presence or absence of lumps or deformities;

(27) A description of the back and buttocks;

(28) Identification of the genitalia as either male or female;

(29) A description of the abdomen;

(30) A description of the extremities, including whether the limbs are equal and symmetrical; and the condition of the fingernails; and

(31) Any other observations or information gathered by the responding ME that might have significance with respect to determining identity, the cause or manner of death, or that might otherwise assist in a criminal investigation.

(d) In cases where jurisdiction has been accepted and an autopsy will be performed, the responding ME shall provide the CME, DCME, or designee, with the completed Investigation Report prior to the autopsy being conducted.

N.H. Admin. Code § Jus 2005.01

#8937, eff 7-14-07