Current through Pa Acts 2024-53, 2024-56 through 2024-111
Section 13921 - Sudden death(a) Recognition.--The coroner shall recognize a death as sudden if all of the following apply: (1) The death occurs without prior medical attendance by an individual who may lawfully execute a certificate of death in this Commonwealth.(2) Within 24 hours of death the decedent: (i) was discharged from medical attendance;(ii) had a change of medical attendance occur; or(iii) had medical attendance and the medical attendant refuses or is unable to certify the cause of death.(b)Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the coroner's discretion in determining if a death is suspicious or to authorize a coroner to investigate a sudden death further than necessary to determine the cause and manner of death.(c) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "medical attendance" shall include treatment or care at a facility providing medical services, including a hospital, nursing home and hospice service.Added by P.L. (number not assigned at time of publication) 2024 No. 14,§ 4, eff. 7/8/2024.