Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Why is the Medical
Examiner's Office involved?
Alaska State law requires the State Medical Examiner to investigate the circumstances and determine the cause and manner of death in all deaths that are:
- Sudden, when a person is in apparent good health.
- Not under the care of a physician.
- Suspicious, unusual or unexplained.
- All deaths that are not due to a natural cause (accidents, homicides, suicides etc.)
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Q.Where will my
relative/friend be taken?
The deceased will be taken to the State Medical Examiner's Office, 5455 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Anchorage, Alaska. They will remain there until examination of the body is complete. Upon completion, the deceased will be released by the State Medical Examiner's Office to the funeral home selected by the next of kin. The body will not be released until a signed Release Authorization is received from the next-of-kin. Investigation may continue after the release of the body to the funeral home.
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Q.Will an autopsy
be performed?
When a body is brought into the State Medical Examiner’s Office, either an external examination or an autopsy will be performed. An autopsy is a medical examination that includes removal of the internal organs; an external examination is a medical examination that does not include removal of the organs. Both autopsies and external examinations are routinely performed to determine the cause and manner of death. Final determination as to the level of examination is determined by the assigned pathologist.
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Q.Can I refuse
an autopsy?
The State Medical Examiner’s Office has the right and authority to determine whether or not an autopsy is necessary. The next-of-kin has the right to make their wishes known and every consideration will be given to religious and cultural concerns; however, the final determination as to whether or not an autopsy is to be performed rests with the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
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Q.Will I still
be able to have an open casket service if an autopsy is performed?
Yes - autopsies are performed in a professional manner that does not interfere with the viewing of the deceased.
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Q.Do I have to pay
for an autopsy?
No - there is no charge to families for an autopsy or transportation to Anchorage and return to the community nearest the place of death. However, the family is responsible for all funeral home charges.
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Q.Am I required to use a funeral home?
There is no legal requirement in the State of Alaska requiring the use of a funeral home. The State Medical Examiner’s Office can release directly to the family. However, the State Medical Examiner’s Office strongly recommends the use of a funeral home (at the family’s expense) for proper disposition of the body after an autopsy. The State Medical Examiner’s Office does not prepare or embalm individuals.
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Q. Who pays for funeral services (embalming, casket, etc.)?
The family is responsible for all costs associated with a funeral and preparing the body for burial and or viewing, including embalming. The State Medical Examiner’s Office is only responsible to pay for transportation to Anchorage for examination and return to the community nearest the place of death. The Division of Public Assistance (907-269-6599) may be able to assist with other expenses if the decedent qualifies.
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Q.Who contacts the funeral home?
The family or legal representative is responsible to select and contact the funeral home. Once you have selected a funeral home, please let them know that the body is under the jurisdiction of the State Medical Examiner's Office. They can assist you in completing a Release Authorization authorizing the State Medical Examiner’s Office to release the deceased to the selected funeral home. You may also obtain the release form on the State Medical Examiner’s web site, or it can be emailed or faxed directly to you if you call (907)334-2200. Once a completed release form is received, the Medical Examiner's Office will contact the funeral home when the body is ready for release.
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Q.How long will it take before the deceased is released from the Medical Examiner's Office?
The State Medical Examiner’s Office attempts to release the deceased as soon as possible after the examination is complete. This usually occurs the same day or next day after completion of the examination as long as a funeral home has been selected by the family. In cases where a funeral home is not being used, every attempt is made to have shipping arrangements made as quickly as possible.
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Q.Is it necessary
for me to come to the Medical Examiner's Office to view the body?
No - in the majority of cases, visual identification is not required. If visual identification is required, you will be notified by the State Medical Examiner's Office.
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Q.Is viewing or visitation allowed while the body is under the State Medical Examiner's jurisdiction?
No - the State Medical Examiner's Office is not designed to handle viewings for bereaved relatives. Arrangements for viewing should be made with your funeral director.
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Q.Can a State Medical
Examiner's case still be an organ or tissue donor?
Yes - the State Medical Examiner’s Office works closely with local tissue and organ procurement agencies. The Medical Examiner determines the appropriateness of the organ/tissue recovery and can deny the request, but every effort is made to allow for donation.
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Q.How do I obtain a certified copy of the death certificate?
The State Medical Examiner's Office does not issue copies of the death certificate. Copies can be requested from the funeral home when arrangements are made. Additionally, copies can be obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics (907-465-3391).
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Q.When will the
autopsy report be ready and how do I obtain a copy?
Autopsy reports are available to the next-of-kin upon written request as soon as the case is closed. This may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks but on rare occasions more complicated cases or cases requiring additional testing can take longer. Please submit your request in writing using the State Medical Examiner's Office “Request for Documents” form available on the State Medical Examiner’s web page or by calling 907-334-2200. A legible copy of photo identification must be received for the request to be processed.
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Q. Who do I contact for further questions or additional information?
If you have further questions or did not find the information you needed contact the State Medical Examiner’s Office at (907) 334-2200.