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The Law

The Law

Oregon State Medical Examiner/Death Investigation Law

Oregon Revised Statutes: Chapter 146 — Investigations of Deaths, Injuries and Missing Persons

146.090 Deaths requiring investigation

(1) The medical examiner shall investigate and certify the cause and manner of all human deaths:

  • (a.)  Apparently homicidal, suicidal or occurring under suspicious or unknown circumstances;
  • (b.)  Resulting from the unlawful use of controlled substances or the use or abuse of chemicals or toxic agents;
  • (c.)  Occurring while incarcerated in any jail, correction facility or in police custody;
  • (d.)  Apparently accidental or following an injury;
  • (e.)  By disease, injury or toxic agent during or arising from employment;
  • (f.)  While not under the care of a physician during the period immediately previous to death;
  • (g.)  Related to disease which might constitute a threat to the public health; or
  • (h.)  In which a human body apparently has been disposed of in an offensive manner.

(2) As used in this section, “offensive manner” means a manner offensive to the generally accepted standards of the community. [1973 c.408 §12; 1979 c.744 §4; 1985 c.207 §1]

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