Description:
The Medical Examiner’s Department is responsible for investigating deaths and authorizing cremations and disinterment permits. The duties of the Medical Examiner are described in Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 59, 69, 146 and 979 (effective January 5, 2015), primary function of the Medical Examiner Department is to perform an independent, medicolegal investigation of the cause and manner of death of any person within its jurisdiction so that the circumstances of the death are explained and understood. The Medical Examiner certifies the cause and manner of death on the death certificates, which then serves as a legal record of the death. Records of death investigations are maintained and information is shared with local, state and federal agencies for investigative and statistical purposes and with groups, business entities, and individuals having an interest in the death.
Medical Examiner Records: Generally, Medical Examiner records are not public documents. Medical information is protected and as such only released to a person having a Direct and Tangible Interest in said record. Records can be requested in writing from the Medical Examiner’s Department during regular business hours.
The Medical Examiner’s Department is staffed with an investigator 24 hours a day. The business office is open Monday – Friday from 8:00AM to 4:30PM.
Death Certificates: Original Death Certificates are issued by the Rock County Register of Deeds.