Autopsies in Medical Examiner cases may be performed only by the Medical Examiner or consultant pathologists appointed by the Medical Examiner for that purpose. In the absence of the Medical Examiner, it is the responsibility of the Medical Examiner Investigator to notify the consultant pathologist of the Medical Examiner's Office's request for an autopsy and to inform him/her of a summary of the circumstances of death. Upon completion of the autopsy, the consultant pathologist should communicate his/her findings to the Medical Examiner so that the latter can complete the certification (cause and manner) of death properly and as promptly as possible. This provision is employed when there are potential conflicts of interest or a situation arises in which a medical examiner does not wish to perform an autopsy on the body of someone who was a personal friend, family member, or employee.