except as provided under subsection (b), after an investigation
by the coroner or medical examiner in a county to determine the
cause of death of an individual in this Commonwealth, the
coroner or medical examiner may not release to the public the
identity of the deceased individual or the cause and manner of
death unless any of the following occur:
(1) Notice of the identity of the deceased individual
and the cause and manner of death is provided to the next of
kin of the deceased individual.
(2) No less than 24 hours have elapsed after the coroner
or medical examiner has identified the deceased individual or
the cause and manner of the death, whichever occurs first.
(b) Exception.--A coroner or medical examiner in a county
may release to the public the identity of a deceased individual
and the cause and manner of the death at any time if the coroner
or medical examiner determines that the release is necessary to
avert a public health emergency.
Section 4. Immunity from liability.
(a) Immunity.--Except as provided under subsection (b), a
coroner or medical examiner in a county who acts in good faith
in accordance with the provisions of this act shall not be
subject to criminal or civil liability arising from any action
under this act.
(b) Exception.--A coroner or medical examiner in a county
shall not be immune from criminal or civil liability under
subsection (a) for acts of gross negligence or recklessness.
Section 5. Construction.
Nothing in this act shall be construed to prohibit a coroner
or medical examiner in a county from releasing to the public the
identity of a deceased individual or the cause and manner of
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