LAC 48:I.9329. After Life Care

A. The hospital shall establish and implement written policies and procedures governing after life care that are reviewed at least every two years and revised as needed. These policies shall delineate the responsibilities of the medical staff, nursing and morgue staff, and shall include procedures for at least the following: 1. identifying the body; 2. safe and proper handling to prevent damage to the body; 3. safeguarding the personal effects of the deceased and release of personal effects to the appropriate individual; 4. handling of toxic chemicals by morgue and housekeeping staff; 5. infection control, including disinfecting of equipment; 6. identifying and handling high-risk and/or infectious bodies in accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidelines and in compliance with Louisiana law; 7. release of the body to the funeral director; 8. release of the body to the coroner upon his request for autopsy; 9. policy for autopsy requests by the physician or family and physician communication to family members regarding the autopsy requests/results; 10. availability of autopsy reports, including reports of microscopic autopsy findings, to physicians and in the medical records within specified time frames in accordance with R.S. 13:5713, or current law; and 11. completion of the autopsy, including microscopic and other procedures, within specified time frames in accordance with R.S. 13:5713, or current law, and when conducted by staff of the hospital.