Who must give written permission for an autopsy when death is not under the jurisdiction of a medical examiner or coroner?

The correct answer is that the decedent's next of kin must give written permission for an autopsy when the death is not under the jurisdiction of a medical examiner or coroner. In situations where a death is not referred to the medical examiner's office, typically because it does not fall under the criteria of suspicious or unnatural causes, the consent of a close family member or next of kin is required to proceed with an autopsy.

This requirement is founded on respect for the deceased individual's privacy and the rights of their family. Next of kin typically includes immediate relatives, such as spouses, children, or parents, who have legal standing to make decisions regarding the deceased’s body. Their consent ensures that family members are involved in decisions related to their loved one's remains.

In contrast, the other options do not have the same legal standing or authority in these circumstances. The treating physician is responsible for clinical care but does not have the rights to permit an autopsy without family consent. A witness to the death may have relevant information but lacks the authority to authorize an autopsy. A legal representative, while potentially having some authority, typically would need to establish their relationship to act on behalf of the decedent or their estate. Hence, it is the next of kin who