Key Personnel

Head:

Suzanne Meleg-Smith, M.D., 988-5224, Beeper: 528-6978, E-mail

Resident:

Pathology Resident on autopsy call can be paged by Tulane Operator, 988-5263

Manager:

Darlene Ford, 988-5937, Beeper: 581-8210

Diener:

Johnny Larkins, 988-5787, Beeper: 596-8424

Schedule

Autopsies Performed:

Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

On Call:

Resident and Faculty on autopsy call can be reached through Tulane Operator: 588-5263

TULANE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AND CLINIC ADMINISTRATION POLICY FOR DEATHS AND AUTOPSIES:
EXPIRED PATIENTS, DEATH CERTIFICATES, AUTOPSY, AND CORONER CASES

Notification and Pronouncement of the Death

1. Nursing personnel will notify the resident and/or the attending physician when a DNR patient expires.
2. The resident or the attending physician will make the pronouncement of death.
3. If the family is present, the resident or attending physician present will discuss the situation with the family and discuss the following after all of the family's questions have been answered:
   • Request consent to autopsy.
   • Request consent for donation of anatomical gift.
   • Obtain information for "Release of Body to Funeral Home" form. The patient's nurse or Charge Nurse may contact and inform the family if said nurse has thorough, accurate information and is qualified to answer the family's questions.
4. The nurse manager/designee will notify:
   • The Admitting Office by entering the official time of death into the Hospital Information System.
   • LOPA if applicable. Refer to Consent for Donation of Anatomical Gift form for complete instructions.
   • Pathology resident on-call if autopsy is to be performed.
   • Nursing Supervisor if the death occurs off-shift, weekend, or holiday.

Weekend Autopsy Protocol