Autopsy Database (Executive Office of Health and Human Services)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c.66, §10, I hereby request the following records:

A copy of any centralized autopsy databases, spreadsheets, or logs maintained by this office that covers deaths within the state.

If such a database is maintained on an annual basis or is otherwise easier to provide if there is a cutoff date, I would like data going back to Jan. 1, 2012.

If it's stored as one central database, I would like the complete dataset.

If there are fields that would mix information that would be exempt from disclosure, such as sensitive, personally identifiable information about living persons, you may omit those columns or fields from the database.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Michael Morisy