The department of health and human services may employ and establish the qualifications and compensation of the state forensic examiner. The state forensic examiner must be a physician who is board-certified or board-eligible in forensic pathology, who is licensed to practice in this state, and who is in good standing in the profession. The state forensic examiner shall:

1.    Exercise all authority conferred upon the coroner under chapter 11-19.1 and any other law; 2.    Consult with local coroners on the performance of their duties as coroners; 3.    Conduct investigations into the cause of death of and perform autopsies on any deceased human body whenever requested to do so by the acting local county coroner or the local state’s attorney; 4.    Provide training and educational materials to local county coroners, law enforcement, and any other person the state forensic examiner deems necessary;    5.    Maintain complete records of the cause, manner, and mode of death necessary for accurate health statistics and for public health purposes; and

6.    Perform other duties assigned by the commissioner of the department of health and human services.