How do I obtain a copy of an autopsy report?
There is a $20 copy fee payable by cash, check, or money order. The copy fee is due prior to any records being released. Checks and money orders must be payable to The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office.

This report is confidential in the state of Washington per RCW 68.50.105.

As stated in RCW 68.50.105, Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential, except that the following persons may examine and obtain copies of any such report or record: The personal representative of the decedent as defined in RCW 11.02.005, any family member, the attending physician or advanced registered nurse practitioner, the prosecuting attorney or law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction, public health officials, the department of labor and industries in cases in which it has an interest under RCW 68.50.103, or the secretary of the department of social and health services or his or her designee in cases being reviewed under RCW 74.13.640. (The term "family" means the surviving spouse, state registered domestic partner, or any child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, or sister of the decedent, or any person who was guardian of the decedent at the time of death).

If you meet the criteria listed above, you may request a copy of the autopsy report. This can be done in person, by phone, or in writing. Written requests should include the name of the decedent, your relationship to the decedent, your contact information to include where you would like the report mailed, and the copy fee.

If the request is coming from someone other than the parties which are listed in RCW 68.50.105, then the request must also include a release signed by the next-of-kin.


RCW 68.50.105

Show All Answers

1. Can I say no to an autopsy?
2. How do I find out about organ and tissue donation?
3. How do I find the Medical Examiner's Office?
4. How do I get the personal effects back?
5. How do I obtain a copy of an autopsy report?
6. How do I obtain a Death Certificate?
7. How much will Medical Examiner services cost?
8. What do I do with the residence?
9. What happens during the autopsy?
10. What if I need more time to select a funeral home?
11. What if I want an autopsy, but the Medical Examiner doesn’t want to do one?
12. Where can I get help with clean up of a residence after a death?
13. Where will the body be taken?
14. Who are the people removing the body?
15. Why do an autopsy?
16. Will an autopsy effect funeral preparations?
17. Will an autopsy delay the funeral?