[Legal and organizational aspects of autopsy in Germany].

Abstract

The article explores the legal and organizational aspects of autopsies in Germany. Despite their importance in clinical medicine, the number of clinical autopsies has been declining for decades due to work-related, organizational, and legal challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary resurgence of interest in autopsies, although this interest has since waned. Initiatives like the National Autopsy Network (NATON) and the National Autopsy Register (NAREG) have been established to promote research and quality assurance.Legally, autopsies in Germany are regulated at both federal and state levels. Variations in regulations between states, especially concerning consent and the definition of a corpse, complicate the process. Social insurance-related autopsies are crucial in clarifying occupational diseases and accidents.Organizationally, autopsies require consent from relatives, which is often a challenging step. However, the introduction of remuneration for clinical autopsies has improved the framework. Initiatives such as the S1 guideline and international research projects have reinforced the role of autopsies. The article underscores the importance of autopsies in quality assurance and research, especially given the rise in occupational diseases and the need for improved clinical diagnoses.