Rhode Island § 23-4-8 - Office of State Medical Examiners
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 23-4-8 — Office of State Medical Examiners, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-4-8. Office of State Medical Examiners
R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4-8
§ 23-4-8. Procedure for investigation of deaths.
(a) When the office of state medical examiners has notice that there has been found or is lying within this state the body of a person who is supposed to have come to his or her death by violence, or in any manner as stated in § 23-4-7, an agent of the office of state medical examiners shall immediately proceed to the place where the body lies and take charge of it, view it, and make personal inquiry into the cause and manner of death. If the body is found at the residence of the deceased, the agent of the office of state medical examiners shall not remove the body from the residence unless necessary for further postmortem examination or autopsy.
(b) A health care facility shall disclose any and all information in its possession requested by the state medical examiner or his or her agent in connection with the investigation of the death of a current or former patient to the extent necessary to assist the medical examiner in determining the cause of death.
History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 169, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 351, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 23-4-8
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 23-4-8 cover?
Section 23-4-8 ("Office of State Medical Examiners") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island § 23-4-8?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 23-4-8" (Rhode Island). 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 Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 23-4-8 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.