19BDirections to obtain medical records

19B Directions to obtain medical records (1) This section applies if a person has died in any of the circumstances in relation to which a coroner has jurisdiction to hold an inquest. (2) A coroner may, by order, direct a person who has responsibility for or control of any medical records relating to the deceased person, including someone in charge of a hospital or residential institution, to give the records to the coroner or the doctor stated in the order. a person in charge of an aged care facility or residential disability care facility is directed to give a deceased person’s medical records to the coroner (3) Unless the coroner otherwise orders, a doctor who is given records under this section must return the records to the person who gave them as soon as reasonably practicable after a coroner has, under section 20 (1) or section 21, dispensed with or completed a post-mortem examination.

(4) An order under subsection (2) or (3) must be in writing.