NY A07500

Requires the Department of Corrections to be responsive to inquiries from next of kin and designated representatives regarding circumstances of an inmate's death, including medical procedures used and cause of death based on autopsy reports.

Mandates the Department obtain next of kin and representative contact information from emergency contact details previously provided by the inmate to the department.

Requires the Department to acquire preliminary or final death certificates from a coroner, coroner's physician, or medical examiner and forward the original certificate to the next of kin.

Directs the Board of Correction to respond to inquiries from next of kin and designated representatives about inmate deaths occurring in state correctional facilities.

Establishes that reasonable expenses for inquiries, autopsies, examinations, and reports related to inmate deaths shall be a state charge, with reimbursement made through annual vouchers certified by county or city fiscal officers.