Tex.
Code of Crim. Proc. Article 49.34
Postmortem Examination or Autopsy Consent Form
(1)
include the name of the hospital or other institution and the department that will perform the examination or autopsy;(2)
include a statement that the removal from the deceased person’s body and retention by the physician of organs, fluids, prosthetic devices, or tissue may be required for purposes of comprehensive evaluation or accurate determination of a cause of death;(3)
provide the family of the deceased person with an opportunity to place restrictions or special limitations on the examination or autopsy;(4)
include a separate section regarding the disposition of organs, fluids, prosthetic devices, or tissue after the examination or autopsy, including a prioritized list of the persons authorized to control that disposition, as provided by Chapter 692A (Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act), Health and Safety Code;(5)
provide for documented and witnessed consent;(6)
allow authorization for the release of human remains to a funeral home or individual designated by the person giving consent for the postmortem examination or autopsy;(7)
include information regarding the rights described by Article 49.35 (Right to Nonaffiliated Physician) of this code;(8)
list the circumstances under which a medical examiner is required by law to conduct an investigation, inquest, or autopsy under Article 49.25 (Medical Examiners) of this code;(9)
include a statement that the form is required by state law; and(10)
be written in plain language designed to be easily understood by the average person.
Source:
Article 49.34 — Postmortem Examination or Autopsy Consent Form, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.49.htm#49.34 (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).
