New York Consolidated Laws, Public Health Law - PBH § 4209. Autopsies; right to perform

No person shall make any incision preparatory to or during an autopsy except (a) a duly licensed medical physician or osteopathic physician, (b) a resident physician, (c) a medical intern, (d) a student in a registered medical school, dental school or chiropractic college while under the supervision of the professor or teacher, (e) an instructor of anatomy, (f) a dental resident or licensed dentist while under the supervision of a physician.

A physician performing an autopsy may be assisted by a trained mortuary attendant (diener).