Indiana § 36-2-14-6.3 - Coroner notification of child deaths; coroner consultation with child death pathologist; suspicious, unexpected, or unexplained child deaths; autopsy
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 36-2-14-6.3 — Coroner notification of child deaths; coroner consultation with child death pathologist; suspicious, unexpected, or unexplained child deaths; autopsy, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 36-2-14-6.3. Coroner notification of child deaths; coroner consultation with child death pathologist; suspicious, unexpected, or unexplained child deaths; autopsy
Sec. 6.3. (a) A coroner shall immediately notify:
(1) the local office of the department of child services by using the statewide hotline for the department; and
(2) either:
(A) the local child fatality review team; or
(B) if the county does not have a local child fatality review team, the statewide child fatality review committee;
of each death of a person who is less than eighteen (18) years of age, or appears to be less than eighteen (18) years of age and who has died in an apparently suspicious, unexpected, or unexplained manner.
(b) If a child less than eighteen (18) years of age dies in an apparently suspicious, unexpected, or unexplained manner, the coroner shall consult with a child death pathologist to determine whether an autopsy is necessary. If the coroner and the child death pathologist disagree over the need for an autopsy, the prosecuting attorney shall determine whether an autopsy is necessary. If the autopsy is considered necessary, a child death pathologist or a pathology resident acting under the direct supervision of a child death pathologist shall conduct the autopsy within twenty-four (24) hours after the prosecuting attorney notifies the pathologist or pathology resident of the determination. If the autopsy is not considered necessary, the autopsy shall not be conducted.
(c) If a child death pathologist and coroner agree under subsection (b) that an autopsy is necessary, the child death pathologist or a pathology resident acting under the direct supervision of a child death pathologist shall conduct the autopsy of the child.
As added by P.L.225-2007, SEC.13. Amended by P.L.131-2009, SEC.75; P.L.128-2012, SEC.183; P.L.109-2015, SEC.59; P.L.148-2024, SEC.30.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 36-2-14-6.3
What does Indiana Code § 36-2-14-6.3 cover?
Section 36-2-14-6.3 ("Coroner notification of child deaths; coroner consultation with child death pathologist; suspicious, unexpected, or unexplained child deaths; autopsy") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 36-2-14-6.3?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 36-2-14-6.3" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 36-2-14-6.3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.