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Davidson County Medical Examiner: records and autopsy reports

Davidson County Medical Examiner, Middle Tennessee Regional Forensic Center (Forensic Medical Management Services). 850 R.S. Gass Blvd., Nashville, TN 37216. Phone (615) 743-1800.

Records and autopsy reports from the medical examiner

Autopsy report
Autopsy reports are a matter of public record in Tennessee. Copies come from the Office of the State Chief Medical Examiner or the regional forensic center that did the autopsy; they are not sent automatically to doctors or hospitals. (tn.gov)
Certified copies
The Davidson County Medical Examiner prepares certified copies of the autopsy report on receipt of a written request with payment. (forensicmed.com)
How to request
Call the Office of the State Chief Medical Examiner at 1-844-860-4511 or use its online request form, or email or mail the signed Autopsy Report Request Form with the name, county and date of death. stateoftennessee.formstack.com (tn.gov)
Records email
State autopsy report requests: Health.OSCME@tn.gov. (tn.gov)
When reports are ready
Most autopsy reports are completed and ready for release within 8 to 12 weeks; extra tests can add several weeks. (forensicmed.com)
Report questions
Questions about a specific autopsy or report go to the center that did it: Middle Tennessee Regional Forensic Center (Forensic Medical Management Services), 850 R.S. Gass Blvd., Nashville, (615) 743-1800. (tn.gov)
Photos and X-rays
Under Tennessee law (T.C.A. 38-7-110), photographs, video and other images of the deceased are not public records, nor are the decedent's medical records or police investigative reports. (tn.gov)
Homicide cases
On a petition by the district attorney general, a court may keep parts of an autopsy or medical examiner report confidential if release could impede a homicide or felony investigation. (tn.gov)

Contact details

OfficeDavidson County Medical Examiner, Middle Tennessee Regional Forensic Center (Forensic Medical Management Services)
TypeMedical examiner
Address850 R.S. Gass Blvd., Nashville, TN 37216
Phone(615) 743-1800
HoursOpen to the public 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except major holidays; investigators and a medical examiner available 24 hours a day
Official pagetn.gov

After a death in Davidson County

  • To have the body released, the family tells the office which funeral director they chose; the office contacts the funeral director when the body is available.
  • Nearly all cases are available for release within 24 hours after arrival. Staff are not allowed to recommend a funeral director.
  • There is no charge for a medical examiner autopsy; an autopsy does not prevent viewing at the funeral.
  • Death certificates come from the county health department or State Vital Records, (615) 741-1763.

The medical examiner's role before a cremation

  • Tennessee requires the medical examiner's approval for every death in the county for which a cremation permit is requested, wherever the cremation happens.

Tennessee cremation rules, including when a medical examiner must review a cremation

Next steps for the family

Funeral homes and cremation in Tennessee · Death certificates in Tennessee · The first 72 hours · Other offices

Sources

Official pages only, each with the day we read it. Hours and fees change: call first.

Call the office Funeral homes