In the real society, it is known that in order to determine the cause of death, with the approval of the person in charge of the public security organ at or above the county level, the corpse can be dissected or opened for inspection, and the family members of the deceased can be notified to be present. If the patient dies and both doctors and patients cannot determine the cause of death or disagree with it, an autopsy shall be conducted within 48 hours after the patient dies. It can be extended to 7 days if it meets the requirements for cryopreservation of corpses. Autopsy shall be approved and signed by the close relatives of the deceased. Autopsy should be carried out by pathological anatomy institutions and professional and technical personnel who have obtained corresponding qualifications in accordance with relevant state regulations. Institutions undertaking autopsy tasks and professional technicians of pathological anatomy have the obligation to conduct autopsy. Both parties to the medical malpractice dispute may invite forensic doctors to participate in the autopsy, or designate representatives to observe the autopsy process. If the autopsy is refused or delayed for more than the specified time, which affects the determination of the cause of death, the party who refuses or delays shall bear the responsibility.
legal ground
Article 18 of the Regulations on the Handling of Medical Accidents, if a patient dies and both doctors and patients cannot determine the cause of death or disagree with it, an autopsy shall be conducted within 48 hours after the death of the patient; It can be extended to 7 days if it meets the requirements for cryopreservation of corpses. Autopsy shall be approved and signed by the close relatives of the deceased. Autopsy should be carried out by pathological anatomy institutions and professional and technical personnel who have obtained corresponding qualifications in accordance with relevant state regulations. Institutions undertaking autopsy tasks and professional technicians of pathological anatomy have the obligation to conduct autopsy. Both parties to the medical malpractice dispute may invite forensic doctors to participate in the autopsy, or designate representatives to observe the autopsy process. If the autopsy is refused or delayed for more than the specified time, which affects the determination of the cause of death, the party who refuses or delays shall bear the responsibility.