National Health Act, 2003 (Act No. 61 of 2003)RegulationsRegulations Regarding the Rendering of Forensic Pathology Service, 201811. Practitioners authorised to conduct or assist with post mortem examination |
| (1) | A post mortem examination must only be performed by an authorised medical practitioner who has been appointed in the Service for such purposes. |
| (2) | Assistance at a post mortem examination may only be rendered by authorised forensic pathology officers who have been appointed in the Service for such purposes, within their scope of practice. |
| (3) | An authorised medical practitioner may consult with other qualified professionals and request such professionals to participate in the post mortem examination and contribute to the further examination of such a body. |
| (4) | A student or trainee personnel in the Service may participate in a post mortem examination, but only under the direct guidance and supervision of an authorised person. |
| (5) | A forensic pathology officer may remove a specimen or exhibit from the deceased under the instruction and supervision of an authorised medical practitioner. |
| (6) | Where necessary, an authorised medical practitioner may authorise the removal of a fluid or tissue specimen by a forensic pathology officer or by a member of the SAPS Victim Identification Centre, prior to such removal. |
| (7) | During the performance of post mortem examinations, the forensic pathology officer may perform eviscerations and organ removals under the supervision of an authorised medical practitioner and assist him or her with such post mortem examination and perform certain functions connected therewith, as contained within their scope of practice and job descriptions. |