The DOD takes seriously its responsibility to fulfill the nation's sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor, and respect to those in our care while providing support to their families.
We recently completed an extensive review of our policies and records to improve our processes and to enhance the critical expertise we bring to investigate deaths, identify the fallen, and improve the readiness and survivability of Service members. In September 2022, we updated our policy on notification about autopsy specimens retained for further forensic investigation to align with standards for medical examination processes supported by its accrediting organization, the National Association of Medical Examiners, including with regard to the retention and disposition of autopsy specimens.
The new policy does not require notification to the person authorized to direct disposition (usually the Next of Kin) when specimens are retained during autopsy. The final disposition of any specimens retained prior to September 2022 will follow the wishes of the person authorized to direct disposition or the next of kin to the greatest extent possible.
If you feel this policy change may have impacted your loved one's case, and you are the designated person authorized to direct disposition or next of kin, please contact DHA.AFMES.Queries@health.mil with your contact information and the name of the deceased. We will confirm whether your case was impacted and, if so, offer disposition options as applicable. We will also offer coordination with appropriate resources and support for those in need.