BOP Program Statement 6080.02 § 1

To prescribe the decision-making authority of Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) personnel to order

post-mortem forensic tests, including autopsies and toxicology testing, and to describe the

process of ordering, procuring, and storing post-mortem forensic test reports.

An autopsy examination is ordinarily done in the interest of practicing a high standard of

medicine and given the high civil liability associated with work in a correctional environment. 18

USC 4045 authorizes the Bureau broad discretion to order an autopsy as defined in situations

outlined in Sections 2.a. and 2.b. of this program statement.

a. Program Objectives.

 Staff will receive the knowledge needed for their current positions, as well as for

professional growth and advancement.

b. Institution Supplement. None.

c. Definitions.

 Cause of death. The underlying condition, disease, or injury that leads to a mortality.

 Expected death. The death of an individual who is diagnosed with a terminal illness or

condition and whose health status, based on current medical knowledge, is not expected

to improve but likely deteriorate. The illness or condition is expected to be fatal within a

reasonable period, and the determination is supported by the individual’s treatment record

and course of treatment.

 Manner of death. A classification of the circumstances surrounding a mortality (e.g.,

natural, accidental, suicide, homicide).

 Post-mortem forensic testing. Studies such as autopsy and toxicology performed

following a mortality to help determine the circumstances and cause of death.

 Unexpected death. A death that was not the result of a known and documented terminal

illness or condition and was not anticipated until the onset of the acute terminal episode.