(410 ILCS 505/2) (from Ch. 31, par. 42)

Sec. 2. Any physician may perform an autopsy upon the body of a decedent; provided,

a. he has a written authorization from the decedent (or from an agent of the decedent as authorized by the decedent under the Powers of Attorney for Health Care Law, as now or hereafter amended) to do so; or

b. a written authorization from a surviving relative who has the right to determine the method for disposing of the body or a next of kin or other person who has such right; or

c. a telegraphic or telephonic authorization from (i) a surviving relative who has the right to determine the method for disposing of the body or a next of kin or other person who has such right or (ii) an agent of the decedent as authorized by the decedent under the Powers of Attorney for Health Care Law, as now or hereafter amended; provided, the telegraphic or telephonic authorization is verified, in writing, by at least 2 persons who were present at the time and place the authorization was received;

d. where 2 or more persons have equal right to determine the method for disposing of the body, the authorization of only one such person shall be necessary, unless, before the autopsy is performed, any others having such equal right shall object in writing or, if not physically present in the community where the autopsy is to be performed, by telephonic or telegraphic communication to the physician by whom the autopsy is to be performed, in which event, the authorization shall be deemed insufficient.

In the case of a suspicious child death, the physician shall be a pathologist certified by the Department of Public Health's Advisory Board on Necropsy Services.

Authorization may be given to a physician or hospital administrator or his duly authorized representative, but only a physician shall perform the autopsy.

(Source: P.A. 86-736.)