<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".14" citation="COMAR 10.35.01.14" title_num="10" subtitle_num="35" chapter_num="01" heading="Release of Medical Examiner's Records.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Individual files of the Chief Medical Examiner are confidential medical records protected from disclosure under the provisions of Health-General Article, §4-301, Annotated Code of Maryland, and General Provisions Article, §§4-329 et. seq., Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>An exception to these confidential medical records is the official medical examiner's autopsy report. This report is a public record and is generally subject to disclosure under General Provisions Article, §4-329, Annotated Code of Maryland, unless the case is subject to an ongoing investigation, or other appropriate reason for denial of disclosure exists.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Records request by court order or subpoena shall be subject to the fee schedule set forth herein.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Fee Schedule.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Autopsy reports may be sent electronically to the requestor. The fees schedule is the same for paper or electronic reports and is as follows:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>No fee for a first-degree relative, as defined by COMAR 10.35.01.01B; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A fee of $50 for all others may be charged for providing a requested autopsy report.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Requests for other information or material shall be accompanied by a court order or subpoena unless the Custodian of Records determines compelling circumstances exist warranting the release of materials. If releasable, the contents of the file will be copied at a cost of $1 per page with a minimum charge of $25 excluding any item independently listed in §D of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Photographs are copied electronically. There is a $50 processing fee for each digital record, plus $5 per each image copied. X-rays and CT scans are copied electronically. There is a $50 processing fee for each digital record, plus $25 per X-ray.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Slides are copied electronically. There is a $50 processing fee for each digital record, plus $20 for each image copied. Slides may be viewed in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner facility at a rate of $200 for the first hour and $50 for every 15 minute increment thereafter, partial or whole. The reviewer will have access to the medical examiner during the review.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>A proof of death document may be obtained for $20.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>If any or all of the items listed in §D of this regulation are requested in digital format, an additional fee of $60 shall apply.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>These fees do not apply if the releasable documents are viewed only, by appointment, at the OCME, at the discretion of the custodian of records.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>An individual, other than the custodian of the records of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner or a designee, may not copy or distribute a copy of the official report of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>