Are there any rules concerning the moving of a deceased person prior to the arrival of the medical examiner investigator?
Iowa Code 331.8O5Abobe Icon states that when a death falls within the jurisdiction of the medical examiner, the body shall not be disturbed or removed from the position in which it is found without authorization from the county or state medical examiner except for the purpose of preserving the body from loss or destruction or permitting the passage of traffic on a highway, railroad, or airport, or unless the failure to immediately remove the body might endanger life, safety, or health. A person who moves, disturbs, or conceals a body in violation of this subsection of the Iowa Code is guilty of a simple misdemeanor. The purpose of this rule is to ensure that the medical examiner investigator is able to understand the exact circumstances that existed at the time of a person's death.

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1. What types of death fall under the medical examiner's jurisdiction?
2. What is the difference between a medical examiner and a coroner?
3. What is the difference between a medical examiner and medical examiner investigator?
4. If a death appears natural, why is the Muscatine County Medical Examiner Department involved?
5. What is an autopsy?
6. When and why is an autopsy needed and who determines this?
7. May a family refuse an autopsy ordered by the medical examiner?
8. Who pays for the autopsy?
9. Does an autopsy affect funeral services?
10. How do I choose a funeral service provider?
11. Where will the autopsy take place?
12. Who may obtain copies of the autopsy report?
13. How may I obtain a copy of the autopsy report?
14. Who can request that a forensic autopsy be performed?
15. How long does it take to receive a copy of an autopsy report?
16. What is a death certificate and how do I obtain a copy?
17. I would like to have my loved one's organs / tissues donated. Will medical examiner involvement keep this from happening?
18. How do I get the personal effects of my loved one?
19. What is the best way to dispose of my loved one's leftover prescription medication?
20. Are there any rules concerning the moving of a deceased person prior to the arrival of the medical examiner investigator?
21. Who is legally required to report a death to the Muscatine County Medical Examiner Department?
22. How does HIPAA effect a medical examiner's ability to access protected health information?
23. What do I do next when a loved one dies?