Section 7.35.140. Designation of facilities.

	(a)  A medical examiner may perform a post-mortem examination and autopsy ordered under AS 12.65  at  
		(1) a funeral establishment;  
		(2) a general acute-care hospital licensed by the department or operated by the United States government;  
		(3) a morgue operated by a state or federal agency; or  
		(4) another facility temporarily designated by the commissioner.  
	(b)  After November 1, 1984, a medical examiner may perform post-mortem examinations and autopsies at a facility only if the commissioner has designated the facility in writing as one at which post-mortem examinations and autopsies may be performed.  
	(c)  The operator of a facility described in (a) of this section may apply for designation of the facility as one at which medical examiners may perform post-mortem examinations and autopsies, by submitting a request to the director of the division. Such a request for designation must include  
		(1) the name and address of the operator of the facility, and the location of the facility;  
		(2) copies of all permits or licenses that the state or local government requires for operation of the facility;  
		(3) the names and business addresses of all persons that may submit claims or receive payments under AS 12.65.025 on behalf of the operator.  
	(d)  If human remains cannot be transported to a funeral establishment, general acute-care hospital, or morgue described in (a) of this section without undue delay or undue expense, a peace officer or a judicial officer may request that the commissioner temporarily designate another place as a facility at which a medical examiner may perform post-mortem examinations and autopsies. Such a request must include a description of the facility, the name and position of the person making the request, and an explanation of the nature of the delay or expense. A peace officer or judicial officer may request such a temporary designation verbally.  
	(e)  The department will, in its discretion, investigate to determine whether the information contained in a request for designation under (c) or (d) of this section is true and complete. The commissioner will designate a facility as one at which a medical examiner may perform post-mortem examinations and autopsies if the operator of the facility has requested such a designation, and the facility is a funeral establishment, general acute-care hospital, or morgue, as described in (a) of this section, or if the commissioner finds that human remains cannot be transported to a funeral establishment, general acute-care hospital, or morgue without undue delay or undue expense.  
	(f)  A temporary designation under this section will lapse after 10 days. Starting January 1, 1986, all designations under this section, other than temporary designations, will lapse on the first day of each calendar year. Any designation may be renewed.  

Authorities

12.65.025;18.05.040

Notes

Reference

7 AAC 35.150

Authority

AS 12.65.025 AS 18.05.040

History

Eff. 8/2/84, Register 91