New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 7 - HEALTH
Chapter 3 - STATE MEDICAL INVESTIGATOR'S OFFICE
Part 2 - POLICIES OF THE OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL INVESTIGATOR
Section 7.3.2.8 - DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL INVESTIGATOR

A. receive all reports of sudden, unexpected or unexplained deaths;

B. respond to all sudden, unexpected or unexplained deaths;

C. in the absence of a physician, pronounce death;

D. take custody of the body and all articles on or near the body;

E. maintain the chain of custody of the body and all articles obtained therefrom;

F. conduct an investigation leading to the determination of the cause and manner of death;

G. obtain toxicology samples from the body when indicated, and arrange for necessary tests upon those samples that will aid in the determination of cause and manner of death; maintain the proper chain of custody and evidence on those samples; store those samples for an appropriate period of time;

H. certify the cause and manner of death; forward written certification to designated agencies;

I. properly dispose of human remains through release to family or designated and authorized entities;

J. provide accurate identification of all human remains when possible;

K. cooperate with authorized agencies having involvement with death investigation;

L. provide professional, objective testimony in state and local courts of law;

M. define procedures that establish fees for services and material provided by the office of the medical investigator;

N. define procedures to reimburse all parties providing services to the office of the medical investigator;

O. establish and maintain a disaster plan outlining the role of OMI staff;

P. maintain records of each official death investigation and provide reports to official agencies.