Orange County Medical Orange County Medical Examiner Ordinance Examiner Ordinance

Board of County Board of County CommissionersCommissionersPublic HearingPublic HearingAugust 4, 2015August 4, 2015

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Presentation OverviewPresentation Overview

Purpose

Background

Draft Ordinance

Action Requested

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Presentation OverviewPresentation Overview

Purpose

Background

Draft Ordinance

Action Requested

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PurposePurpose

Adopt an ordinance relating to the office of the Medical Examiner, establishing local appointment

Presentation OverviewPresentation Overview

Purpose

Background

Draft Ordinance

Action Requested

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Serving both Orange & Osceola–State of the art facility–Nationally accredited (NAME)–All Physicians hold highest level

certifications–2nd only to Miami-Dade in number of

autopsies performed in 2013

District 9 Medical ExaminerDistrict 9 Medical Examiner

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The “Medical Examiners Act” –Establishes the Medical Examiners Commission (MEC)–Defines Medical Examiner (ME) districts–Addresses District ME appointments and disciplinary

proceedings–Establishes ME duties related to examinations,

investigations, and autopsies

–Allows Home Rule counties to establish their own ME in lieu of deferring to the State for appointment

Ch. 406: Medical ExaminersCh. 406: Medical Examiners

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F.S. 406.17: –Option for home rule counties to establish a “Medical

Examiner” position under the provisions of an ordinance–The medical examiner shall serve as the district medical

examiner who would otherwise be appointed under F.S. chapter 406.

Home Rule OptionHome Rule Option

This changes the appointing entity, not the professional or statutorily defined duties

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Presentation OverviewPresentation Overview

Purpose

Background

Draft Ordinance

Actioned Requested

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Draft OrdinanceDraft Ordinance

General–A selection committee –Appointment of a medical examiner and associate

medical examiners –Qualifications, functions and duties of the medical

examiner –Removal and suspension of medical examiner

Draft OrdinanceDraft Ordinance

Selection Committee• Candidate Search Committee nominated by the

Mayor with confirmation by majority approval of the Board of County Commissioners• Representatives may include:– State attorney– Public Defender– Sheriff and Police– Funeral home– Local physician– Member of MEC– Representatives from partnering county

Draft OrdinanceDraft Ordinance

Selection Committee• Seek applications• Establish interview team• Make recommendations to the Mayor– May seek assistance from the MEC

Draft OrdinanceDraft Ordinance

Appointment of Medical Examiner• Appointed by the Mayor with confirmation by

majority approval of the Board of County Commissioners– Mayor may appoint interim or acting medical examiner in event of

vacancy

• Appointee must meet minimum qualifications set forth in FS 406• Medical Examiner may appoint Associate Medical

Examiners

Draft OrdinanceDraft Ordinance

Functions and Duties of Medical Examiner• Responsible for all functions, duties, and obligations

set forth in Chapter 406, Florida Statutes and Chapter 11G, Florida Administrative Code• Attend death scenes, liaison with media, testify in

court

Draft OrdinanceDraft Ordinance

Removal and Suspension of Medical Examiner• The Medical Examiner shall serve at the pleasure of

the mayor• Grounds for removal– Malfeasance– Negligence– Unlawful activity– Removal or suspension through the MEC

Draft OrdinanceDraft Ordinance

Does not preclude Orange County from partnering with neighboring counties to provide service

Does not remove the Medical Examiner’s accountability to the MEC for all functions and duties set forth in FS 406

Presentation OverviewPresentation Overview

Purpose

Background

Draft Ordinance

Action Requested

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Requested ActionRequested Action

Adoption of the Orange County Medical Examiner ordinance as drafted

Orange County Medical Orange County Medical Examiner Ordinance Examiner Ordinance

Board of County Board of County CommissionersCommissionersPublic HearingPublic HearingAugust 4, 2015August 4, 2015

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