36-2293

36-2293. Infant death investigation checklist

A. A law enforcement officer who in the regular course of duty investigates an unexplained infant death shall complete an infant death investigation checklist developed by the department of health services and approved by the unexplained infant death advisory council.

B. The law enforcement officer shall complete the checklist before an autopsy is conducted.

C. The officer's law enforcement agency shall retain the original checklist and immediately forward a copy of the checklist to the county medical examiner and the department of health services.

D. The department of health services shall develop the checklist in conjunction with the unexplained infant death advisory council. In developing the checklist, the department shall consult with law enforcement agencies and consider guidelines endorsed by national infant death organizations.

E. The department shall periodically review and modify the checklist in consultation with the unexplained infant death advisory council.

F. A law enforcement officer's failure to use the checklist is not a defense to or a basis for dismissal of a criminal prosecution.