The National Association of Medical Examiners Position Paper: Second Autopsies

Abstract

Second autopsies are uncommon in the United States yet are of significant public value. A second autopsy may be sought when the first autopsy findings are disputed, considered biased, or inadequately communicated. Second autopsies are technically and interpretatively difficult and usually rely heavily on investigative information, first autopsy findings, and additional documentation from the first autopsy. Medicolegal second autopsies should be performed only by experienced, board-certified forensic pathologists. Pathologists performing second autopsies should acknowledge and disclose the limitations of second autopsies. The first autopsy pathologist should recognize the quality assurance value of a second autopsy and fully disclose autopsy documentation to the second autopsy pathologist, if permitted by jurisdictional law.

Keywords: National Association of medical examiners; delayed second autopsy; independence of autopsies; limitations of second autopsies; position paper; second autopsy.