16 Pa.C.S. § 13921 – Sudden death

(a) Recognition.— The coroner shall recognize a death as sudden if all of the following apply:
1. (1) The death occurs without prior medical attendance by an individual who may lawfully execute a certificate of death in this Commonwealth.
2. (2) Within 24 hours of death the decedent:
  1. (i) was discharged from medical attendance;
  2. (ii) had a change of medical attendance occur; or
  3. (iii) had medical attendance and the medical attendant refuses or is unable to certify the cause of death.
(b) Construction.— Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the coroner's discretion in determining if a death is suspicious or to authorize a coroner to investigate a sudden death further than necessary to determine the cause and manner of death.
(c) Definition.— As used in this section, the term "medical attendance" shall include treatment or care at a facility providing medical services, including a hospital, nursing home and hospice service.