IC 16-37-3-6: Cause of death; certification by local health officer

Sec. 6. (a) If:

(1) a death or stillbirth occurred without medical attendance; or

(2) the physician, the physician assistant, or the advanced practice registered nurse last in attendance is physically or mentally unable to sign the certificate of death or stillbirth;

the local health officer shall inquire into the cause of death from anyone having knowledge of the facts regarding the cause of death.

(b) The local health officer may issue a subpoena to obtain information and to employ a qualified pathologist to perform an autopsy when, in the judgment of the local health officer, those procedures are required to complete the inquiry. The local health officer shall then certify the cause of death on the basis of the information.