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 Information
for Physicians
and Law Enforcement
What deaths should be reported to the Medical Examiner’s Office?
Reportable deaths are described in Tennessee Code Annotated, and include the death of any person from "sudden violence or by casualty or by suicide, or suddenly when in apparent health, or when found dead, or in prison, or in any suspicious, unusual or unnatural manner." We recognize that these criteria are somewhat vague, and we encourage persons to report any deaths that they feel may meet these criteria. Our investigators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss the case with you and make a decision regarding medical examiner jurisdiction. Reportable Death Criteria Established by the State Medical Examiner Office
Who should report a death to the Medical Examiner’s Office?
Mandated case reporters include law enforcement officers, physicians, undertakers, and health care facilities. State law also provides that "any person" may report a death to the Medical Examiner’s Office.
What is a scene investigation?
When the death of an individual occurs outside of a health care facility, an investigator representing the medical examiner will respond to the scene and conduct a preliminary investigation. The purpose is to provide documentation of the scene of death for the determination of medical examiner jurisdiction and for the physician who will be conducting the autopsy, if ordered. This includes an examination of the scene, the body and their relationship. The findings of the scene investigation are preliminary and no final conclusions should be drawn from them.
Who has jurisdiction at a scene of death?
Generally, the local law enforcement agency has jurisdiction over the death scene and the medical examiner has jurisdiction over the body. At times, state or federal agencies will assume jurisdiction over a scene; however, the local medical examiner usually retains jurisdiction of the body.
How long will I have to wait for a scene investigation?
In Davidson and Shelby counties, an investigator from the Medical Examiner’s Office will generally arrive at the scene within an hour of notification. However, delays may occur if there are multiple scenes to investigate simultaneously. If an investigator anticipates there will be a delay, he or she will inform the appropriate persons.
Has body transport been called and when will they arrive?
The transport service is usually informed after we have been notified of the death. After conclusion of the scene investigation, they are contacted again and informed the body is available for transport to the Medical Examiner’s Office. They usually arrive shortly thereafter.
When are autopsies performed?
Autopsies are performed at the Medical Examiner’s Office every day of the year, including all major holidays. Autopsies generally begin between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning and continue throughout the day as necessary. Autopsies are very rarely performed at night except in exceptional circumstances.
Who can attend an autopsy?
Law enforcement officials and health care providers are welcome to attend the autopsy of an individual in which they have a professional interest. These persons should contact our office to coordinate their attendance.
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