Some people would argue that an autopsy report should only be seen by close family members and the authorities because it contains extremely sensitive information that can be very personal. On the other side of the argument, there are people who think that since the person is deceased autopsy reports should be public records.
The thing is, it isn’t a matter of public opinion. There are Texas state laws that dictate who can and can’t see autopsy reports. Keep reading to find out how accessible autopsy reports are in Texas.
What the Texas Public Information Act Says About Autopsy Reports
Autopsy reports fall under the jurisdiction of the Texas Public Information Act. Texas Government Code Chapter 552 addresses public information. It states that information recorded under state law or for official business is accessible to citizens. Since medical examiners are conducting activities required by law, their reports are considered public records in the vast majority of cases. As such, anyone can request a copy of a Texas autopsy report.
The public information can include:
- Physician examination report
- Toxicology report
- Death investigation report
- Identification reports
- Poison panels
What can be requested and received depends on examination and tests that were performed. However, any x-rays that were taken or photos that are part of the examination report are not public record. Only the legal next-of-kin may receive copies of the photos after submitting a notarized request.
Exceptions to the Texas Autopsy Report Laws
The majority of the time Texas autopsy reports can be made public, but there are exceptions. This makes sense given that sometimes autopsies are performed by medical examiners as a part of a criminal investigation. An autopsy report also won’t be publicly disclosed if the information is expressly confidential under other laws.
Details about the exceptions to public disclosure provided are in the Texas Government Code in Sections 552.110 and 552.1101.
How to Request an Autopsy Report in Texas
Even though autopsy reports are public records that doesn’t mean they are printed out or posted online for all to see. To view an autopsy report you must submit a request and pay a fee. There are three ways to request an autopsy report in Texas. You can request a copy by mail, email or online.
Submitting a Written Request for an Autopsy Report
To obtain a copy of an autopsy report you must reach out to the medical examiner’s office that conducted the investigation. The request should include the deceased’s name and date of death.
For example, in Austin, TX written requests should be sent to:
Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office
P.O. Box 1748
Austin, TX 78767
Submitting an Email Request for an Autopsy Report
Today, most medical examiner’s offices accept requests for autopsy reports via email. For autopsies performed by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office requests should be sent to: [email protected].
Submitting an Online Request Form For an Autopsy Report
It can take up to 90 days for an autopsy to be completed. Once it’s completed, it should take 8-12 weeks to process the request and deliver a copy of an autopsy report. Keep in mind that the autopsy report is different from the death certificate. Death certificates can also be requested by contacting the Texas Vital Records website or the Vital Statistics Office in the city where the death happened.
The team at Green Cremation Texas can help you make cremation arrangements while you wait for an autopsy to be performed. We’ll work with the medical examiner’s office to coordinate timelines and transport to the crematorium. You can give us a call, text or email 24 hours a day.
