Autopsies, postmortems — Consent to embalm, cremate body, or make final disposition — Time limitation.

RCW 68.50.108
in effect
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No dead body upon which the coroner, or prosecuting attorney, if there is not a coroner in the county, may perform an autopsy or postmortem, may be embalmed or make final disposition without the consent of the coroner having jurisdiction. Failure to obtain such consent is a misdemeanor. However, such autopsy or postmortem must be performed within five days, unless the coroner obtains an order from the superior court extending such time. No dead body upon which the coroner, or prosecuting attorney, if there is not a coroner in the county, may perform an autopsy or postmortem, may be embalmed or make final disposition without the consent of the coroner having jurisdiction. Failure to obtain such consent is a misdemeanor. However, such autopsy or postmortem must be performed within five days, unless the coroner obtains an order from the superior court extending such time.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=68.50&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026

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