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Coroner Update Awaits Governor's Approval In Colorado

DENVER (AP) — An update to Colorado antiquated coroner system awaits the governor's signature. The state House took a final vote on the update Thursday, sending the measure to the governor.

The bill updates death-investigation protocol. Changes include a requirement that law enforcement must call coroners as soon as a body is discovered — not after a potential crime scene investigation is complete.

The coroner bill also eliminates the grisly but out-of-date practice of removing pituitary glands in autopsies.

The coroner update comes two years after Colorado set new standards for when the state's mostly elected coroners must order autopsies.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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