Release of Biological Material

Biological material samples may be extracted at the discretion of the Office. The individual claiming the body, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 38, § 13, may request in writing the release of biological material. Upon receipt of request and except as provided in 505 CMR 3.03, the Office shall return said biological material to the individual claiming the body upon completion of its investigation. In a case of an unnatural or suspicious death where the district attorney or his or her law enforcement representative is or has been directing or is or has been controlling the investigation of the death pursuant to M.G.L. c. 38, § 4, no biological material shall be released unless the district attorney or his or her law enforcement representative has determined, in his or her discretion, and has stated in writing that he or she does not object to the release of biological material to the individual claiming the body.