2046                                        LAWS OF MARYLAND                                    Ch. 578

(2) If the family of the deceased objects to an
autopsy on religious grounds, the autopsy may not be performed
unless authorized by the Chief Medical Examiner or by the Chief
Medical Examiner's designee.

(c) (1) [If the family of the deceased does not object, a]
A medical examiner shall conduct an autopsy of any fire fighter

AND ANY SWORN PERSONNEL OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE [whose

death in the line of duty appears to be fire related, or to have
been caused by the inhalation of toxic gases or toxic fire

atmospheres.] WHO DIES IN THE LINE OF DUTY OR AS A RESULT OF

INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE LINE OF DUTY,

(2)  The autopsy shall include:

(i) A toxicological analysis for toxic fumes;

(ii) Gross and microscopic studies of heart,
lung, and any other tissue involved;

(iii) Appropriate studies of blood and urine;
and

(iv) Appropriate studies of body fluids and
body tissues.

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(3)  If the medical examiner determines toxic fumes
were the cause of death, the medical examiner shall: [prepare]

(I) INVESTIGATE TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE THE
SOURCE OF THE FUMES; AND

(II) PREPARE a written report on the specific
effects of the fumes on human tissue.

(4)  [In the case of a fire fighter who dies in the
line of duty, the] THE AUTOPSY AND analysis shall be sufficient
to determine eligibility for benefits under the federal Public-
Safety Officers' Benefits Act of 1976.

(d)  The individual who performs the autopsy shall prepare
detailed written findings during the progress of the autopsy.
These findings and the conclusions drawn from them shall be filed
in the office of the medical examiner for the county where the
death occurred. The original copy of the findings and
conclusions shall be filed in the office of the Chief Medical
Examiner.

(e)  The Chief Medical Examiner shall set a reasonable fee
for performing an autopsy by an authorized pathologist.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall

take effect July 1, 1986.