A.R.S. § 36-3505: Protocols

A. The department of health services shall establish protocols for death scene investigations of apparent natural infant deaths. In developing the protocols the department shall consider guidelines established by national infant death organizations.

B. At a minimum the protocols shall:

1. Include recommended procedures for all first responders, law enforcement agencies and local social services agencies to follow in response to apparent natural infant death.

2. Recommend that in the course of an investigation of an apparent natural infant death, the scene where the infant was found should be examined even if the infant's body was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead at a hospital.

3. Recommend that during the investigation of an apparent natural infant death, investigators should use their skills and knowledge to determine the cause of death while keeping in mind the need for compassion and sensitivity for the parents and caregivers.