Section 641.97.9. Report of autopsy findings.

       97.9(1) In cases in which an autopsy is to be performed, it shall not be necessary to defer the entry of the cause of death pending a full report of microscopic or toxicological studies.

       97.9(2) In any case in which the gross findings of an autopsy are inadequate to determine the cause of death, the medical certifier shall mark the cause of death as “pending investigation” on the certificate and sign the certificate. Immediately after the medical data necessary for determining the cause of death have been made known, the medical certifier shall provide to the state registrar a signed statement that identifies the decedent and the cause of death. The signed statement shall be on the medical certifier’s official letterhead.

       97.9(3) In any case in which the autopsy findings significantly change the medical diagnosis of cause of death, the medical certifier shall make a report of the cause of death and submit it to the state registrar as soon as the findings are available. Such report shall be a signed statement that identifies the decedent and the revised cause of death and shall be on the medical certifier’s official letterhead. Such report shall amend the original certificate, and the report shall be maintained in a sealed file.

[ARC 0483C, IAB 12/12/12, effective 1/16/13; see Delay note at end of chapter]