MN SF4090

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 390.11 to clarify coroner and medical examiner authority over death investigations and autopsy determinations.

Allows removal, retention, testing, or use of organs, tissues, and fluids during autopsies without next-of-kin consent when used to determine cause of death, except for research purposes which require written or documented oral consent.

Creates new section 390.361 establishing a contested case hearing procedure under chapter 14 allowing interested parties to challenge coroner or medical examiner findings or reports.

Defines "interested party" as the spouse, parent, adult child, adult sibling, or legal guardian of the deceased person eligible to pursue contested case hearings.

References 24 categories of reportable deaths requiring coroner or medical examiner evaluation, including sudden deaths, deaths during medical procedures, deaths within 24 hours of hospital arrival, and deaths attributable to terrorism.