Ohio law (specifically Ohio Revised Code 313.091) authorizes and provides for cooperation with the Office of the Coroner. This cooperation is necessary for proper and effective investigation of any case which falls under the jurisdiction of the Coroner.
Requests may be made for photocopies of all hospital records to supply background for accurate evaluation of the case. Blood and other specimens obtained upon admission to a hospital may also be requested. Medical personnel in such situations are required by law to cooperate with such requests made by the Office of the Coroner during these case investigations.
Medical items such as endotracheal tubes, airways, monitor pads, CVP-IV lines, pacemakers including leads, drain tubes, catheters or similar equipment must be retained in their original position on the body. All intravenous fluids and substances (including blood) being given to the patient at the time of or just prior to death must accompany the body upon transport to the Office of the Corner.