68.50.300 - Release of information concerning a death. - Washington Statutes

Release of information concerning a death.

(1) The county coroner, medical examiner, or prosecuting attorney having jurisdiction may in such official's discretion release information concerning a person's death to the media and general public, in order to aid in identifying the deceased, when the identity of the deceased is unknown to the official and when he does not know the information to be readily available through other sources.

     (2) The county coroner, medical examiner, or prosecuting attorney may withhold any information which directly or indirectly identifies a decedent until either:

     (a) A notification period of forty-eight hours has elapsed after identification of the decedent by such official; or

     (b) The next of kin of the decedent has been notified.

     During the forty-eight hour notification period, such official shall make a good faith attempt to locate and notify the next of kin of the decedent.

[1981 c 176 § 2. Formerly RCW 68.08.320.]