Requests for public records

Most records obtained or created for the purpose of medicolegal death investigation are confidential and not available for general release as a public record. Cause and manner of death for cases investigated by the Medical Examiner's Office are public information.

• Members of the public can request cause and manner of death by calling 564.397.8405 or via email.
• Media can request cause and manner of death information by calling 564.397.7307 or via email.

Death information for cases not investigated by the Medical Examiner’s Office can be obtained by ordering a death certificate through Clark County Vital Records.

To request other public records involving the Medical Examiner's Office, visit the Public Records Portal on the Clark County website. Please note that this is for requesting records in Clark County, Washington only.

Requests for confidential autopsy records

Reports and records of autopsies are confidential under Washington state law (RCW 68.50.105), with limited exceptions for release of information. Exceptions include surviving spouse, state registered domestic partner, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, or any person who was the guardian of the decedent at the time of death.

If the death occurred in Clark County, Wash., those eligible can request a copy of a confidential autopsy report for themselves or to be sent directly to the decedent's insurer or the law firm or lawyer retained. A copy of the autopsy, investigator and toxicology report is $30. Payment is due at the time the records are released and cannot be accepted prior to the records being released.

Please note that only copies of complete and final reports are released. Laboratory results necessary to complete the autopsy report can take up to 6 months.

To request a copy of confidential autopsy records, download the request form below or contact our office and a form will be mailed to you. The form may also be completed at the Medical Examiner’s Office during walk-in hours.

Please return the signed and notarized original to the Office of the Clark County Medical Examiner, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. The Medical Examiner’s Office will notify you by phone when the records are ready for release and provide options for submitting payment.

Office hours

Walk-in office hours are 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday.