Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Pennsylvania Statutes Title 16 Pa.C.S.A. Counties § 13920. Child deaths

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) Duties.--A coroner shall perform or order an autopsy to be conducted for the sudden unexplained death of a child who is not more than three years of age. If an autopsy is required, the autopsy shall be conducted in the manner the coroner determines is the least invasive manner appropriate.

(b) Investigation.--

(1) If the coroner determines that an investigation is appropriate in the case of the death of a child who is not more than three years of age, the investigation shall include the following information:

(i) Demographic information on the child and the child's primary caregivers.

(ii) Witness interviews.

(iii) Infant medical history.

(iv) Biological mother's prenatal history.

(v) Incident scene investigation.

(vi) Scene and body diagrams.

(2) In conducting the investigation under paragraph (1), the coroner shall consider nationally recognized standards for pediatric death review.

(c) Deoxyribonucleic acid.--A deoxyribonucleic acid sample shall be collected for the purpose of aiding in the research of the causes of sudden and unexplained infant deaths and to provide genetic information as to the manner of death.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Pennsylvania Statutes Title 16 Pa.C.S.A. Counties § 13920. Child deaths - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-16-pacsa-counties/pa-csa-sect-16-13920/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard