The Chief Medical Examiner shall appoint medical examiners, who have statewide jurisdiction and serve at the pleasure of the Chief Medical Examiner, subject to the Chief Medical Examiner’s control and the rules adopted by the Chief Medical Examiner. Medical examiners are appointed for a term of no more than 5 years, and such terms may be renewed indefinitely. The medical examiners must be learned in the science of medicine and anatomy, licensed as physicians in this State and residents of this State. Each medical examiner before entering upon the duties of the office and before each period of renewal must be duly sworn to the faithful performance of the medical examiner’s duty. [PL 2015, c. 285, §1 (AMD).]

The Chief Medical Examiner may make temporary appointments when the Chief Medical Examiner determines it is in the public interest. Temporary medical examiners shall serve on a case-by-case basis and must be licensed as physicians by the State but do not need to be residents of the State or take an oath of office. [PL 2001, c. 222, §2 (AMD).]

The Chief Medical Examiner may retain official consultants to serve the various needs of the office. These consultants must possess a high degree of integrity and be learned in their fields. They need not reside within the State or take an oath of office. They serve at the pleasure of the Chief Medical Examiner. [PL 2001, c. 222, §2 (AMD).]