# Autopsies at VA Expense
> **US Department of Veterans Affairs** · Final rule. · Published 2012-06-27 · Effective 2012-07-27 · 77 FR 38179
## Document
- **Document number:** 2012-15624
- **Category:** va-other
- **Agency:** US Department of Veterans Affairs
- **Federal Register citation:** 77 FR 38179
- **CFR reference:** 38 CFR 17
- **Publication date:** 2012-06-27
- **Effective date:** 2012-07-27
## Abstract

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its regulation that governs the performance of autopsies on veterans. This final rule updates outdated cross-references to a statute that previously authorized certain outpatient and ambulatory care, which included post-hospitalization autopsies, and its implementing regulation. This final rule clarifies that consent for an autopsy is implied if a known surviving spouse or next of kin has either not responded to a VA request for permission or has not inquired as to the decedent for 6 months before the decedent's death. This final rule modifies the current regulation to make the laws of the jurisdiction in which the autopsy will be performed the controlling laws for purposes of determining who has authority to grant permission for the autopsy. This final rule also clarifies the authorized purposes of a VA autopsy. Lastly, this final rule clarifies that the authority to order an autopsy includes transporting the body at VA's expense to the place where the autopsy will be performed.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2012/06/27/2012-15624/autopsies-at-va-expense)
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