Medical Examiner

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Medical examiner services for Gwinnett County is privately contracted with Forensic Pathology Services, P.C. (FPS). FPS does business as the "Gwinnett County Medical Examiner's Office" in accordance with the provisions of the state law identified as "The Georgia Death Investigation Act" (OCGA 45-16-20).  

The employees of FPS conduct death investigations, including postmortem examinations of bodies, in order to determine cause and manner of death in cases where the Medical Examiner's Office has jurisdiction.

To request a copy of a report, please visit Gwinnett Open Records. You may also call 678.442.3160 for additional information.

Important Forms and Information

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The Medical Examiner’s Office requires an Authorization to Release Remains form/ Autorización Para Liberar Restos(Español) signed by the legal next of kin before it can allow anyone to take custody of the deceased. Download the form, fill it out, and fax it to 678.442.3155. Please note the signature of next of kin must be hand-signed.

View a list of local funerals homes/cremation societies/transport services. You are not limited to those listed, you are free to choose any establishment that is agreed upon by the legal next of kin.

View the Biohazard Cleaning Company List to find local/regional companies that provide restoration services.

Information for Medical Professionals

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When a death is due to natural causes and not determined to be a Medical Examiner’s case under Georgia Law (O.C.G.A. 45-16-2); it is the responsibility of the subject’s treating physician to sign the death certificate. Any medical professional seeking assistance or additional information on this matter is welcome to contact our office at 678-442-3160 for additional information. If the physician has information or evidence that they feel would lead to the death to be anything other than a natural death (i.e. – evidence of a traumatic fall, drug abuse, etc.), this information should be reported immediately to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Further explanation is available in the Information Regarding Death Certificates webpage