I would imagine that if M went to the doc's and she was underweight or had recently lost a significant amount, the doc would have talked to her about it and later (after her passing when the doc spoke with mom) would have mentioned it.
I would like to see another photo close to that time period to see what M looks like. The dark, baggy sweater and pic taken at dusk or under cloudy skies could really make things look worse than normal.
If I am not mistaken (I am certain I just read this in an email from my hospital) HIPPA still applies after death. Particularly someone over the age of 18. So Morgan's MD could not have spoken to her MD and gotten info after her death. And LE would have needed a court order to get info from the MS.
*goes off to check this out
later that night.........I find this
Q: Who may access a deceased person’s medical records?
A: The patient’s designated personal representative or the legal executor of his or her estate has a right under law to access the records. These are the only people who by law have a right to view or copy the records.
If the patient died without naming a personal representative or executor, state law determines who by default possesses the right. States often establish a hierarchy of persons based on their relationship to the deceased person. Typically this begins with an adult member of the immediate family, such as a spouse, child, or sibling.
Q: What legal documents ensure the right to access a deceased patient’s medical records?
A: A combination of the patient’s death certificate and a court document establishing estate executorship is sufficient to establish one’s right. In some states, alternative documentation can also be used.
Q: Do I have to go to probate court and become the executor of the deceased’s estate in order to access his medical records?
A: It depends on the state. Some state laws require people to submit legal proof of executorship to healthcare organizations in order to access records.
Other states follow a hierarchy of who becomes, by default, the personal representative of a deceased patient if the patient dies without naming an executor (as described above).
Q: How do I find my state’s requirements and restrictions for releasing a deceased patient’s medical record?
A: The HIM department supervisor or the privacy officer of a local hospital can provide details on your state’s release-of-information laws. A local legal assistance group, particularly one that assists seniors, is another good resource.
Q: Does HIPAA forbid me from seeing my deceased relative’s medical records?
A: The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) grants privacy protections to a person’s medical information even after death. However, HIPAA also establishes that a patient’s designated personal representative has a legal right to access the patient’s records. A healthcare provider must provide the records to his or her designated personal representative if one exists.
However, HIPAA leaves the definition of a personal representative up to individual state law. In general, in order to be a personal representative of another adult, you must have legal authority to act for the adult in making decisions related to his or her healthcare. If the person is deceased, you must have received the legal authority over his or her estate, as defined by state law.
Source:
http://journal.ahima.org/2011/03/23/accessing-deceased-patient-health-records-faq/