If the cause of death is disputed, act immediately on an autopsy and preserve the medical records
In a Chinese medical dispute over the cause of death, the cited rule requires the autopsy within 48 hours, or up to seven days where the body can be kept frozen. Raise the issue immediately rather than waiting until the deadline to request it. Close relatives must sign consent. If refusal or delay beyond the prescribed period prevents determination of the cause, the responsible party bears the consequences. Request sealed preservation of records at the same time. An autopsy is no longer possible after cremation.
What it takes
No charge to raise the request; this statement does not establish that every autopsy is free. The difficult part is remembering the time limit while grieving.
What you may gain
Article 26 of the Regulations on the Prevention and Handling of Medical Disputes requires an autopsy within 48 hours when a patient dies and the patient side and healthcare institution dispute the cause. Where freezing facilities are available, the period may extend to seven days. An autopsy requires signed consent from the deceased's close relatives; refusal to sign counts as refusal of consent. If refusal or delay beyond the prescribed period affects determination of the cause, responsibility falls on the party refusing or delaying. Article 24 requires both the patient side and institution to be present when medical records are sealed or unsealed.
Context & considerations
Saying afterward that something seemed wrong does not undo a missed deadline, and responsibility for an unresolvable cause-of-death question can fall on the party responsible for delay. Decide about an autopsy before arranging irreversible steps such as cremation, and raise the concern before proceeding with funeral arrangements. See chapter 24 for sealing medical records.
Research & references
State Council (2018). Regulations on the Prevention and Handling of Medical Disputes, Order No. 701, Articles 24 and 26. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2018-08/31/content_5318057.htm