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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PurposePurpose
Adopt an ordinance relating to the office of the Medical Examiner, establishing local appointment
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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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
Requested ActionRequested Action
Adoption of the Orange County Medical Examiner ordinance as drafted