27-14-509. Autopsy may be required; procedure.
Upon the filing of a claim for compensation for death for which an autopsy is necessary to accurately and scientifically ascertain and determine the cause of death, a hearing examiner may order an autopsy. The hearing examiner may designate a licensed physician who is a specialist in autopsies to perform or attend the autopsy and to certify his findings. The autopsy findings are a public record and shall be filed with the division. The hearing examiner may exercise the authority on his own motion or on an application made to him at any time by any party in interest upon the presentation of facts showing that a controversy may exist in regard to the cause of death or the existence of any compensable injury. All proceedings for compensation shall be suspended upon refusal of a claimant or his representative to permit an autopsy when ordered and no compensation shall be payable during the continuance of the refusal.