8Performing autopsy

8 Performing autopsy

If a coroner under section 36 of the Act directs the State Forensic Pathologist, an approved pathologist or a medical practitioner to perform an autopsy –

(a) the State Forensic Pathologist, approved pathologist or medical practitioner is to perform the autopsy as soon as practicable after receiving the direction; and

(b) as soon as practicable after completing the autopsy, the State Forensic Pathologist, approved pathologist or medical practitioner is to notify the coroner –

(i) of any preliminary findings as to the cause of death; or

(ii) that the cause of death is still under investigation; or

(iii) whether any of the deceased person's organs have been retained and, if so, the reason for their retention; and

(c) within 28 days of completing the autopsy or such longer period as the coroner may allow, the State Forensic Pathologist, approved pathologist or medical practitioner is to notify the coroner of the autopsy findings; and

(d) the State Forensic Pathologist, approved pathologist or medical practitioner is not to notify any other person of the autopsy findings without the prior approval of the coroner.