COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINERS - H.B. 5186 (H-1): FIRST ANALYSIS
House Bill 5186 (Substitute H-1 as passed by the Senate)
Sponsor: Representative Gerald Van Woerkom
House Committee: Local Government and Urban Policy
Senate Committee: Local, Urban and State Affairs
Date Completed: 2-28-02
RATIONALE
According to the National Association of Medical Examiners, a medical examiner is a physician in charge of the investigation and examination of persons dying a sudden, unexpected, or violent death, within a particular jurisdiction. The medical examiner is expected bring medical expertise to the evaluation of the medical history and physical examination of the deceased. In Michigan, a county medical examiner must be a licensed physician and a resident of the county for which he or she is appointed or of a neighboring county. Apparently, some rural counties have experienced difficulty finding a licensed physician residing in the county or an adjacent county who is interested in serving as county medical examiner. It has been suggested that this residency requirement be eliminated.
CONTENT
The bill would amend Public Act 181 of 1953 to eliminate the residency requirements for county medical examiners and deputy county medical examiners. In addition, the bill would allow two or more counties, rather than two or more adjoining counties, to employ the same medical examiner.
Further, Section 201b of the Act requires a deputy medical examiner to be a resident of the county for which he or she is appointed or of a contiguous county. In a county with a population of 1 million or more, a deputy county medical examiner must be a resident of the county for which he or she is appointed. The bill would repeal this section.
MCL 52.201
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
By eliminating the residency requirements, the bill would allow qualified licensed physicians to serve as county medical examiners and deputy county medical examiners, regardless of whether they reside in the county appointing them or in a neighboring county. The bill would enable county boards of commissioners to appoint a candidate who is both eligible to serve and genuinely interested in the field.
- Legislative Analyst: Nobuko Nagata
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
- Fiscal Analyst: Jay WortleyH0102\s5186a
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.