Answers for the Family

We understand at this emotional time it may be very difficult to think of questions to ask the Medical Examiner's Office. We have attempted to anticipate some of the questions you may think of and have included them in this brochure. We are extremely sorry for your loss.

Why is the Medical Examiner's Office Involved?
A death certificate must be completed by a doctor for all deaths before the body can be sent to the funeral home. When the person has a family doctor and dies from natural causes (i.e. the result of a disease), the doctor can complete the death certificate. But if the person is not under the care of a physician or the death appears to be suspicious or unusual (i.e. the result of injury), the medical examiner must be notified to begin an investigation and make sure the death certificate is completed.

What type of cases is the Medical Examiner's Office required to investigate?
State statute dictates the types of cases in which the medical examiner will become involved. The specific statute reads as follows:

406.11 Examinations, investigations, and autopsies. In any of the following circumstances involving the death of a human being, the medical examiner of the district in which the death occurred or the body was found shall determine the cause of death and shall make or have performed such examinations, investigations, and autopsies as he shall deem necessary or as shall be requested by the state attorney:

-When any person dies in the state:
Of criminal violence.
By accident.
By suicide.

-Suddenly, when in apparent good health.

-Unattended by a practicing physician or other recognized practitioner. In any prison or penal institution.

-In police custody.

-In any suspicious or unusual circumstance.

-By criminal abortion.

-By poison.

-By disease constituting a threat to public health.

-By disease, injury, or toxic agent resulting from employment.

-When a dead body is brought into the state without proper medical certification.

-When a body is to be cremated, dissected, or buried at sea.

The district medical examiner shall have the authority in any case coming under any of the above categories to perform, or have performed, whatever autopsies or laboratory examinations he deems necessary in the public interest.

How do I find a funeral home?
Personnel from the medical examiner's office are not permitted to recommend a funeral home to families. Funeral homes are listed in the phone book. Contacting other family members and friends can usually result in some guidance for the family.

What if I can't afford a funeral home?
An indigent case from Duval County should be referred to:

Individuals who die as a result of a homicide may be eligible for funeral expenses. Families should contact:

Vital Statistics - Jax. Office: 904 253-1620

Vital Statistics -Florida Office: 904 359-6900

Victims Services: 904 630-6300

Social Security Administration.: 800 772-1213

What is a forensic autopsy?
The forensic autopsy is an internal and external examination of the body after death using surgical techniques to determine the presence of an injury and/or to identify any disease that may have caused or contributed to the death. It is performed by a pathologist, a medical doctor specially trained in this type of procedure who is able to recognize diseases or patterns of injury, collect evidence and investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. The procedure takes about 2 to 4 hours to perform. This examination may be comprehensive or may be limited to a particular organ or system.

The autopsy room is regarded as a special place for gathering medical knowledge. An air of dignity and respect for the patient and for the survivor's wishes is maintained at all times. Small samples of each organ are taken for microscopic examination to look for disease such as malignancy or infection.

Specimens may be taken as evidence in criminal related deaths. Other tests that may be performed include checking for drugs, chemicals, or toxic substances. The final report may take many weeks to prepare due to detailed studies that may be performed. If this is the case, the death certificate will be issued with 'pending' as the cause of death while the medical examiner awaits the results of these tests.

The autopsy report becomes a permanent part of the patient's medical record. The completed report, unless withheld pending criminal investigation, is available to the family and the findings may be discussed at length with your physician or with the pathologist.

Will the autopsy or 'pending' results affect funeral arrangements?
The performance of an autopsy should not in any way affect a funeral or viewing of the body. Funeral directors and pathologists have been working together for many years so that the body can be readily embalmed and prepared for the service.

After the examination, the body can be released to the funeral home of the family's choice regardless of the pending status of the cause or manner of death. The family is required to sign a release giving the funeral home permission to pick-up the remains from the medical examiner's office.

How do I obtain an autopsy report?
Copies of autopsy reports are provided free to immediate next of kin (spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchildren).

You may request an autopsy report by written request which must include the name of the decedent and the date of death.

When requesting by mail please include a self-addressed business envelope with postage for 2 ounces, due to the number of pages.

Send your written request and your stamped, self addressed envelope to:

The Office of the Medical Examiner
2100 Jefferson Street
Jacksonville, FL 32206

Requests for records other than the autopsy report are charged at the authorized duplication cost of .15 per single sided page {119.07 (1)(a)F.S.}

If the public record request requires extensive computer or clerical resources, a special service charge will be imposed 119.07(1)(b), in addition to duplication costs. Exact postage cost will also be included.

Some case files may become exempt from public record release while under 'active criminal intelligence or active criminal investigation'{119.07 (3)(b)}. Once this designation has been lifted, the record(s) will be available.

How do I obtain a copy of the Death Certificate?
Contact your funeral home or contact the Office of Vital Statistics either at the County Vital Statistic Office (in which the death occurred) or at the State Vital Statistic Office.