HB1194: County coroners.

Legislative Summary

County coroners. Requires the coroner where the incident occurred to respond to the coroner where the death occurred not more than 24 hours after being contacted to discuss the need for an autopsy. Provides that if the coroner where the incident occurred does not timely respond, the coroner where the death occurred may conduct an autopsy and bill the coroner where the incident occurred. Provides that beginning January 1, 2026, a licensed hospital is required to have a blood retention protocol for the preservation of the first sample of blood drawn from an individual after arriving at a hospital for treatment. Specifies the required elements of the blood retention protocol, including how long a laboratory is required to hold a blood sample in storage. Provides for waiver of the blood sample storage requirement in any case where the sample is tested and cannot be retained for reasons of medical necessity in the clinical care of the patient.