HCSD — Standard Operating Procedures

1017.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The Coroner's Office supports the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (Health and Safety Code Chapter 3.5) and shall work closely with community organizations (i.e., Donor Network West) for recovery of as many organs and tissues as possible for cases under the Coroner's jurisdiction.

1017.2 CASE SUITABILITY DETERMINATIONS

Special attention shall be given to Coroner cases where homicide and suicide are known or suspected because of law enforcement involvement and the potential of subsequent litigation. In these cases the Coroner's Office must ensure the circumstances, manner, and cause of death can be determined prior to release of the deceased to donor organizations for organ and tissue removal. Deaths with no criminal charges pending that meet the criteria for reportable or cosign cases will be released for recovery of any organs and tissues following the preliminary investigation. However, no pathological examination will be performed by the Coroner's Office. The cause of death will be provided by and attested to by the decedent's private or the attending physician. Should circumstances prohibit deputies from conducting a preliminary investigation, deputies, pathologists, and supervisors will use the information available from the hospital, and organ/ tissue procurement agency to determine release. If there is no compelling reason to deny the organ/tissue recovery based on the information gathered, recovery will be authorized to ensure the organs/tissues are recovered before they "timeout". Any communications with procurement agencies shall be documented in the report narrative.

1017.3 AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE

Deputy Coroners are authorized to release organs and tissues for recovery to the extent the following criteria permit. Such permission applies only to the giving of the Coroner's release authorization. Actual recovery requires the permission of the legal next-of-kin of the deceased as defined in Health and Safety Code §7151. This Health and Safety Code definition applies throughout this policy and procedure when "legal next-of-kin" is stated. In compliance with SB 1403, donor organizations shall obtain the written consent of the legal next-of-kin or other legal designee prior to organ and/or tissue removal. Non-written consents (i.e., telephonic consents) must be documented according to the requirements of SB 1403 and submitted to the Coroner's Office for permanent retention.

1017.4 SPECIMEN RECOVERY

For all coroner cases the Deputy Coroner should request the procurement agency draw vitreous fluid and peripheral blood samples and ensure chain of custody requirements. Photographs may also be requested at the discretion of the investigating deputy coroner.

1017.5 CORONER FACILITY USE

Should the need arise, procurement agencies may request to use the Coroner Division's facility for organ and/or tissue removal. An appropriate fee shall be charged for any use of the facility for this purpose. Prior approval is required for use of the facility by a procurement agency.

1017.6 TRAUMA CASES

It is the responsibility of the investigating deputy coroner to notify the procurement agency of any trauma or areas of concern that would relate to the cause and manner of death.

Consultation should be had with the coroner pathologist to discuss the denial of specific organ or tissues procurement based on the existence of trauma.

Transportation, Body Removal, and Recovery of Parts 1018 Transportation, Body Removal, and Recovery of Parts