[Autopsy--legal basis (Part II)]

This paper discusses the legal regulation of the performance of anatomico-pathological (clinical), hygienico-administrative (coroner's) and other types of autopsies. It is emphasized that in line with current regulations there is the obligation to perform autopsies on deceased persons in hospitals when the cause of death cannot otherwise be clearly determined, even if there is adequate expression of the individual's (or legal representative's) opposition. It is also pointed out that by current regulation it is no longer necessary to perform autopsies on deceased persons in hospital within 12 hours of their hospital admission. The paper also deals with the problem of autopsies performed at the request of private parties or insurers, by explaining that in the present legal setting there is no possibility of compliance with such requests--in spite of which certain insurers contractually reserve the right, in accidental deaths, to perform autopsies on or view the insured person's remains.