The Hennepin County Medical Examiner is accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners

Stay updated

 GovDelivery envelope
Subscribe
Sign up to receive Medical Examiner press releases by email.

Beginning January 1, 2013, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office provides death investigative services and forensic autopsy services for deaths that occur in Hennepin, Dakota and Scott counties — as well as other counties in the region if referred.

Information about the Medical Examiner mandated duties can be found in Minnesota Statute 390.

All deaths that are sudden or unexpected or occur from other than natural causes must be reported to the Medical Examiner.

For families

The death of a loved one can cause tremendous stress and sorrow. We hope our Information for Families brochure (PDF 138K) will assist you during the grieving process, and help answer questions about the autopsy process and the role of the Medical Examiner.

Burial assistance

  • Hennepin County provides burial assistance to families who are unable to afford the full cost of burial, funeral or cremation expenses if the death occurred in Hennepin County.
  • If the death occurred in Scott County call 952-445-7750.
  • If the death occurred in Dakota County call 651-554-5710.

Autopsy reports

If you are the immediate next-of-kin and desire a copy of an autopsy report, please complete the below form, enclose payment and return to the Medical Examiner's Office.

Death certificates

The funeral director handling the final arrangements for your loved one can assist you in getting copies of the death certificate.

You can also obtain certified copies from Vital Records offices in:

For community partners and agencies

The counties of Hennepin, Dakota and Scott have combined resources and talent to provide the highest quality death investigation services. 

Report a death

  • In Hennepin County call 612-215-6300.
  • In Dakota or Scott counties, call the Dakota Communications Center Dispatch (DCC) at 651-322-2323 and they will connect you with the Medical Examiner's office.

Forms

  • Hospice Pre-Registration Form
    This form is used by licensed hospice agencies to pre-register terminally ill hospice patients.
  • Cremation Approval Form
    This form is used by funeral homes and physicians only to facilitate the cremation approval process with the Medical Examiner's office. For any questions about cremation approval procedures or the use of this form, please call 612-215-6300.
  • Next of Kin Authorization for Removal
    This form is used by funeral homes to ensure that the next of kin has indeed contracted with your organization to work on the final disposition of the decedent.

Resources

Driving directions for funeral directors and livery services