WV HB2358

Autopsies requested by a prosecuting attorney or judge must be conducted within 72 hours of the decedent being received by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

Autopsy reports, including death investigation reports, must be furnished to the prosecuting attorney within 24 hours of completion

The Chief Medical Examiner or county medical examiner determines when autopsies are advisable and in the public interest, with autopsies performed by qualified pathologists holding board certification or eligibility in forensic pathology

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner must maintain complete indexed records of all investigated deaths and may release records to law enforcement, courts, hospitals, attending physicians, and state agencies under specified conditions

Takes effect July 11, 2025 (90 days from passage on April 12, 2025)