Section 16. Expense of autopsy; state charge

The reasonable expense of any
  inquiry, autopsy, examination or report prepared thereon conducted by  a
  coroner, coroner's physician or medical examiner as required by law with
  respect  to  any death occurring to an inmate of an institution operated
  by the department shall, to the extent not otherwise reimbursed  by  the
  state, be a state charge. Reimbursement of such expense shall be made on
  vouchers submitted annually and certified by the chief fiscal officer of
  the  county  or  city as the case may be on the audit and warrant of the
  comptroller.