Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 25, June 21, 2024
Section 64-84-7 - Responsibilities of the CoME, ACoME, and CoCo7.1. The CoME, ACoME, or CoCo shall be available at all scheduled times to perform the duties and responsibilities outlined in this rule and in accordance with the standards of practice as set forth in the 2007 Edition of the West Virginia Handbook for the Performance of Death Investigation and Certification, pursuant to W. Va. Code §61-12- 7(b) and §61-12-14, except where he or she notifies the OCME otherwise in a timely fashion.7.2. When a CoME, ACoME, or CoCo is notified that a death has occurred, he or she: 7.2.1. May decline to take charge of the body, after initial investigation of the circumstances of death and consultation with the CME or his or her designee;7.2.2. May take charge of the body and all personal effects and objects that lie close to the body and may be useful in determining the cause or manner of death after consultation with the CME or his or her designee; and7.2.3. May go to where the body lies at the time of notification or may authorize removal of the body after consultation with the CME or his or her designee and pursuant to the guidelines established in the 2007 Edition of the West Virginia Handbook for the Performance of Death Investigation and Certification to an appropriate place for pronouncement, viewing, and certification of death.7.3. When a CoME, ACoME, or CoCo takes charge of a body, he or she shall: 7.3.1. Cause to make secure all personal effects or items associated with the body of the deceased; and7.3.2. Assume full responsibility for the properly inventoried personal effects and their condition until transfer of the items to: an appropriate investigative agency, an authorized funeral agency, or to another entity as directed by the OCME; and in each instance he or she shall list all transferred items on prescribed OCME forms.