Rhode Island Office of State Medical Examiners

Frequently Asked Questions

What needs to be done while the deceased is at the Medical Examiner's Office?
The family needs to select a funeral home or crematory. The funeral director will take care of the remaining details. Advise the Medical Examiner which funeral home or crematory you've selected, so they can be called as soon as the deceased is ready to be released.

Can the family view the body at the Medical Examiner's Office?
Unfortunately, our facilities do not have viewing areas, nor are we staffed to accommodate viewing requests. The deceased may be viewed at the funeral home shortly after arriving there.

What happens to the deceased's personal effects?
Except for evidence, any items transported to the Medical Examiner's Office are released to the funeral home along with the body at the time it is transported.

How is the body transported to the Medical Examiner's Office?
The Office of State Medical Examiners contract with a private livery service to transport remains. The OSME pay directly for this service and it is not the responsibility of the family.

How do I find out the cause of a loved one's death?
The cause of death can be found on a death certificate and can be obtained from your funeral home or you can contact the OSME at (401)222-5500.

How do I obtain a copy of an autopsy report?
If an autopsy was performed, the completed autopsy report can be requested by the next of kin. The next of kin must send a written request to the OSME including the decendent's name, date of death, and a $40 check made payable to the General Treasurer of Rhode Island to the following address:

Office of State Medical Examiners
48 Orms Street
Providence, RI 02904

What is an autopsy?
An autopsy is an intricate post-mortem medical procedure often requiring complex laboratory tests. It includes examination of all major organs to document injury and/or disease.

Why would the Office of State Medical Examiners perform an autopsy?
State law mandates that an autopsy be performed in the case of a sudden, unexpected, or violent death. State laws governing the Medical Examiner are found in Chapter 23-4 of the General Laws of Rhode Island.

What is the cost of the autopsy and who pays for it?
If the autopsy is performed by the Medical Examiner's Office, there is no charge to the family. It is absorbed through operations of the Department of Health, funded through tax dollars.

Will an autopsy effect funeral arrangements?
No. Funeral arrangements will not be effected and viewing of the body at the funeral home will still be possible.

How long will it take for an autopsy report to be ready?
An autopsy report takes from three to six months to complete.

Why does it take so long to get an autopsy report?
A final autopsy report is issued only after all necessary tests have been completed, records thoroughly checked for accuracy and to ensure the highest professional standards. To ensure accuracy, many tests take several weeks, or even months to complete. It is the duty of the Office of State Medical Examiners to correctly identify and document the cause of death.

Can my insurance company use a 'pending' death certificate as proof of death?
Yes. A 'pending' death certificate is a legal document that can be used by insurance companies and others immediately as proof of death.

What if my insurance company will not accept a 'pending' death certificate?
If further information is needed by an insurance company or others in order to settle estates or other business matters, the Office of State Medical Examiners will work directly with those entities to answer any concerns. Please contact the Medical Examiner Office if you are experience problems with your insurance company regarding a 'pending' death certificate.

How long will it take the Office of State Medical Examiners to help my insurance company get the information they need?
In most circumstances, the Medical Examiner is able to resolve these issues quickly once we are aware that there is a problem. If you do experience a problem with your insurance company, regarding a 'pending' death certificate, please contact the Office of State Medical Examiners at (401) 222-5500.