N.Y. Correct. Law § 16

§ 16. Expense of autopsy; state charge. 1. The reasonable expense of\nany inquiry, autopsy, examination or report prepared thereon conducted\nby a coroner, coroner's physician or medical examiner as required by law\nwith respect to any death occurring to an incarcerated individual of an\ninstitution operated by the department shall, to the extent not\notherwise reimbursed by the state, be a state charge. Reimbursement of\nsuch expense shall be made on vouchers submitted annually and certified\nby the chief fiscal officer of the county or city as the case may be on\nthe audit and warrant of the comptroller.\n 2. The department shall acquire a preliminary or final death\ncertificate for such incarcerated individual from a coroner, coroner's\nphysician or medical examiner and forward such original death\ncertificate to the next of kin.\n