MS HB313

Requires blood tests at employer and carrier expense in workers' compensation found dead cases, including alcohol and drug screening, basic metabolic panel, and other information to determine cause of death.

Blood must be drawn by the coroner or at the coroner's request and tests performed according to the coroner's normal procedures.

Mandates autopsy in found dead cases if requested by spouse, next of kin, or employer and carrier within three hours of discovery and notification.

Autopsy performed at employer and carrier expense by University of Mississippi Medical Center or State Medical Examiner, with body returned within 48 hours; preliminary report due within three days and final report within six weeks.

If employer and carrier request autopsy but family objects, the presumption of compensability is waived; spouse, next of kin, and employer/carrier may agree in writing to waive autopsy if cause of death is obvious.