The proposed bill, S.F. No. 2088, seeks to amend Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 144.221 by adding provisions regarding the determination and reporting of cause of death in cases of investigated natural deaths.

Key Provisions:

1. Responsibility for Providing Cause of Death Information

   • If a medical examiner or coroner determines that a death was due to natural causes and declines jurisdiction, the cause of death must be provided by:
     
     1. A physician present at the time of death
        
     2. A physician or associate who treated the deceased before death
        
     3. A physician with direct knowledge of the death and access to medical records
        

2. Timeframe for Reporting

   • If no physician meets the first or third criteria, a physician or associate meeting the second criterion has 72 hours to provide the cause of death once notified that:
     
     1. The medical examiner or coroner has declined jurisdiction
        
     2. No physician is available under the first or third criteria
        

3. Role of Medical Examiner/Coroner If Physicians Do Not Provide Information

   • If the 72-hour period expires or a physician refuses to provide the cause of death, the medical examiner or coroner may step in to provide the information.

4. Cost Recovery from Refusing Physician or Institution

   • If a medical examiner or coroner provides the cause of death due to physician non-compliance, they may recover costs from:
     
     • The refusing physician or associate
       
     • The facility or organization employing the refusing physician
       

Purpose:

This bill aims to clarify and enforce the process of reporting cause of death in natural deaths where the medical examiner or coroner declines jurisdiction, ensuring timely and accurate documentation while holding responsible parties accountable for compliance.