[Marauder]

Is there a way to make sure that somone who dies in a hospital is autopsied? Do we as citizens have right to demand it for a loved one?

[BykrBayb]

I don't know about most jurisdictions, but I would hope the following rules apply everywhere. I would also hope that they would be upheld.

Michael Schiavo has announced plans to have Terri's body cremated immediately upon her death. The Medical Examiner has the authority to order an autopsy if foul play is suspected. If he waits until after her body has been cremated, it will obviously be too late. Contact him now.

http://www.co.pinellas.fl.us/forensics/
From the website:
District Six Medical Examiner's Office
10900 Ulmerton Rd., Largo FL 33778
Telephone #. (727) 582-6800
Fax # (727) 582-6820
Jon R. Thogmartin, M.D., District Chief Medical Examiner
Support Staff:
Noel Palma, M.D., Deputy Chief Medical Examiner
Susan Ignacio, M.D., Associate Medical Examiner
Chris Wilson, M.D., Associate Medical Examiner
Daniel Schultz, M.D., Associate Medical Examiner
William A. Pellan, Director of Investigations
Reta Newman, M.A., Director of PCFL
Office Hours: The office is open seven days a week, excluding holidays, from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. After hours and on observed holidays, all phone calls are directed to an answering service.

[muir_redwoods]

"Is there a way to make sure that somone who dies in a hospital is autopsied? Do we as citizens have right to demand it for a loved one?"

Rarely do people under the direct care of a physician at the time of their death get autopsied.