A. The board of supervisors of each county may appoint a forensic pathologist to the position of medical examiner. The medical examiner shall receive compensation as determined by the board of supervisors.

Terms Used In Arizona Laws 11-592

  • Alternate medical examiner: means a physician who has training and competence in the principles of death investigation and who performs or directs the conduct of death investigations. See Arizona Laws 11-591
  • Death investigation: means the investigation directed by a county medical examiner or alternate medical examiner into the circumstances surrounding a death occurring as prescribed in section 11-593. See Arizona Laws 11-591
  • Forensic pathologist: means a physician who has successfully completed a pathology residency and a forensic fellowship or has extensive experience performing forensic autopsies in an official capacity. See Arizona Laws 11-591
  • Medical examiner: means a forensic pathologist who performs or directs the conduct of death investigations. See Arizona Laws 11-591

B. If the board of supervisors determines that the appointment of a medical examiner is not practicable, the board of supervisors shall designate one or more alternate medical examiners who need not be residents of the county. An alternate medical examiner shall perform the duties of a medical examiner except all autopsies shall be performed by a forensic pathologist.

C. If the board of supervisors designates one or more alternate medical examiners, the board may establish a county fund and shall pay expenses incurred by alternate medical examiners in the performance of their duties and for the cost of cases referred to a forensic pathologist.

D. The sheriff of the county is responsible for notifying an alternate medical examiner to direct a death investigation.

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