Does California law require an autopsy if the death is in a teaching hospital?
An autopsy is not required when a person has been under physicians care in a medical facility at the time of death. The exceptions would be, if the cause of death cannot be determined or if there is reason to believe negligence or a criminal act (such as assisted suicide) is involved. Immediate family members have the legal right to request an autopsy if they so choose whether the attending physician is in agreement or not.
