Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 19, September 20, 2024
A. Individual files of the Chief Medical
Examiner are confidential medical records protected from disclosure under the
provisions of State Government Article, §§4-301 and
10-611 et seq.,
Annotated Code of Maryland
B. An
exception to these confidential medical records is the official medical
examiner's autopsy report. This report is a public record and is generally
subject to disclosure under State Government Article, §§10-611 et seq.,
Annotated Code of Maryland, unless the case is subject to an ongoing
investigation, or other appropriate reason for denial of disclosure
exists.
C. Records request by court
order or subpoena shall be subject to the fee schedule set forth
herein.
D. Fee Schedule.
(1) Autopsy reports may be sent
electronically to the requestor. The fees schedule is the same for paper or
electronic reports and is as follows:
(a) A
fee of $25 for a first-degree relative may be charged; and
(b) A fee of $100 for all others may be
charged for providing a requested autopsy report and included consultation
reports.
(2) Requests
for other information or material shall be accompanied by a court order or
subpoena unless the Custodian of Records determines compelling circumstances
exist warranting the release of materials. If releasable, the contents of the
file will be copied at a cost of $1 per page with a minimum charge of $25
excluding any item independently listed in §D of this
regulation.
(3) Photographs are
copied electronically. There is a $50 processing fee for each CD, plus $5 per
each image copied. X-rays and CT scans are copied electronically. There is a
$50 processing fee for each CD, plus $25 per X-ray.
(4) Slides are copied electronically. There
is a $50 processing fee for each CD, plus $20 for each image copied. Slides may
be viewed in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner facility at a rate of
$200 for the first hour and $50 for every 15 minute increment thereafter,
partial or whole. The reviewer will have access to the medical examiner during
the review.
(5) A proof of death
document may be obtained for $20.
(6) If any or all of the items listed in
§D of this regulation are requested in digital format (CD or DVD), an
additional fee of $60 shall apply.
(7) These fees do not apply if the releasable
documents are viewed only, by appointment, at the OCME, at the discretion of
the custodian of records.
E. An individual, other than the custodian of
the records of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner or a designee, may not
copy or distribute a copy of the official report of the Office of the Chief
Medical Examiner.
