Medical Examiner: Reporting Criteria and Requirements

Reportable Hospital Deaths

  • When a person dies within 24-hours of admission to the facility. Time starts at triage.
  • When any person is killed or dies a non-natural death no matter how long they have been hospitalized (suspected overdoses, accidents, homicides, suicides).
  • When a body is found and the cause and circumstances of the death are unknown
  • Any suicide, regardless of length of time hospitalized.
  • When patient dies without being attended by a physician and the cause is unknown.
  • Stillbirths and neonatal births if the delivery took place outside the hospital or if the delivery is related to or suspected to be related to trauma or drug use.
  • Any recent or remote trauma that has effected quality of life.

Preparing to Report the Death

  • Have the patient chart in front of you. Face sheet and patient demographics first.
  • Know the decedents terminal diagnosis, medical history and date/time and reason for admission.
  • Have Next of kin or emergency contact information available
  • Be ready with details such as where the patient came from and how the incident occurred.
  • Was the patient admitted under a pseudo name.
  • Be aware if blood was drawn upon admission and secure the location of the blood.
  • If a Next-of-Kin is known make sure they are notified prior to ME notification.
  • The Collin County Medical Examiner's office does not store, embalm, or cremate bodies. We are a science facility that performs forensic examinations. There is no county or city morgue.
  • If a patient's family requests an autopsy but they do not meet criteria to report to the Medical Examiner's office, please refer them to hospital pathology or to the Association of Medical Examiners.
  • It is a Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail and up to $2,000 fine) to interfere with an inquest authorized by Texas Law.

Reportable Nursing Home or Hospice Deaths

  • Hospice deaths that occur in a residence, assisted living facility, nursing home or group home must be reported.
  • All deaths that occur in a nursing home within the Collin County border must be reported. Preparing to report the death

Please have the following information ready at time of reporting:

  • Verify the address you are at is in Collin County. If you have any questions please visit our interactive Collin County map.
  • Has there been any recent trauma?
  • Patients Name, DOB, race and gender
  • Residential address or Facility name and address
  • Time of pronouncement
  • Hospice Diagnosis or medical history