Sudden death.
16 Pa.C.S. § 13921
in effect(a) Recognition.--The coroner shall recognize a death as sudden if all of the following apply:
(1) The death occurs without prior medical attendance by an individual who may lawfully execute a certificate of death in this Commonwealth.
(2) Within 24 hours of death the decedent:
(i) was discharged from medical attendance;
(ii) had a change of medical attendance occur; or
(iii) had medical attendance and the medical attendant refuses or is unable to certify the cause of death.
(b) Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the coroner's discretion in determining if a death is suspicious or to authorize a coroner to investigate a sudden death further than necessary to determine the cause and manner of death.
(c) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "medical attendance" shall include treatment or care at a facility
providing medical services, including a hospital, nursing home and hospice service.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=16Fetched: 10/16/2026