INVESTIGATING AGENCIES: How to Request a Copy of an OCME Report
Decedent records are classified as
CONFIDENTIAL Medical Records and disclosure of these records is restricted.
Upon case closure, a copy of an OCME Report may be released following the receipt of a
validated written request from the legal next of kin. The OCME does NOT create or issue
preliminary reports of any type. Ancillary reports, (i.e. toxicology) are NOT released
independently from the associated autopsy report, and can only be released in conjunction
with a completed autopsy report.
The request must include:
- Decedent Name
- Decedent date of death
- County of death
- Decedent date of birth
- Requester's relationship to the deceased.
- List the report(s) requested
- Example: Autopsy and Toxicology Report
- All requests must be signed and dated
- Electronic signatures will not be accepted.
- All requests must include a copy of the legal next of kin’s photo ID.
- Valid government-issued ID
- Contact information for the legal next of kin
- Valid Address
- Valid Phone Number
Please note the following:
- The OCME will not send any information via email.
- Please ensure the request includes the correct contact information.
- Legal Next of Kin is outlined consecutively, in descending order of authority:
- Spouse; Adult Children; Parent; Sibling; Grandparent
- If an Administrator, Administratrix, Executor, or Executrix is appointed, the appointment shall supersede the requirements of the Legal Next of Kin.
- A copy of the filed appointment, which includes the county clerk's certification, must be attached to the request if applicable
- Reports will be released only to the Legal Next of Kin at the highest level in the consecutive list above, or those authorized in writing by the Legal Next of Kin following the above requirements.
- All cases that may still be under criminal or active investigation cannot be released without a written release from the Prosecuting Attorney.
- Requests from insurance companies, attorneys, and any other third party must include a detailed request as outlined above.
- Information in case files and autopsy reports is considered confidential and not public record. As a result, autopsy reports will not be released without proper documentation and complete verification.
- Death Certificate Information: See Vital Registration at https://dhhr.wv.gov/HSC/VR/Pages/default.aspx
After receiving and validating your request, you will receive payment instructions and an invoice. Upon receipt and verification of the payment, our office will mail the requested documents. Please ensure that payment is accomplished by following the directions included with the invoice. Payments are not received or processed by the OCME.
How to Request a Copy of an OCME Report
Please send your request to OCMEREPORTREQUESTS@WV.GOV
Please include:
- Your agency in the subject line
- Decedent demographics
- Decedent Name
- Decedent Date of Death
- Decedent Date of Birth
- Incident date/location
- Upon case closure, a copy of the OCME Report, which includes toxicology results when performed, will be sent to the investigating agency on file via fax or USPS.
- Please include the preferred method of contact in the request.