Medical Examiners and Coroners: The Impact of Organ Donation on Death Investigation Guest Panelists: Al Klimek, Chief Medical Examiner, Brown, Door, Oconto County President WCMEA Angela Hinze, Chief Medical Examiner, Columbia, Adams County 1 st Vice President WCMEA
What is the difference between Coroners and Medical Examiners? Coroner Elected (4 year terms) 18 years of age Valid DL HS Diploma or equivalent Resident in good standing Limited to number of Deputy Coroners Medical Examiner Appointed 18 years of age Expectation of education and experience in Medico- legal Death Investigation Does not have to be a Physician May not be a resident Establishes staffing requirements
What criteria makes a case a “reportable case”? State Statute Each County required to establish written guidelines for reportable criteria……… “Local Rule” Coroner’s or Medical Examiner’s has sole authority over establishing or declining jurisdiction. DA’s often influence
What can hospital staff do to help case? Prompt reporting (usually OPO contacts us) Designate a “local” contact person Facilitate access to Medical Records Encourage contact between family and C/ME if appropriate Don’t make promises that you cannot keep
What can hospital staff do to hurt a case Failure to or delay in reporting potential donor Assuming anything (verify assumptions) Don’t “pick sides” (explain team approach) Don’t offer a Cause/Manner of Death opinion to the family
How do ME/Coroners work with the OPO? Donation can happen with an investigation/autopsy “It is the position of the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) that the procurement of organs and/or tissues for transplantation can be accomplished in virtually all cases without detriment to evidence collection, postmortem examination, determination of cause and manner of death, or the conducting of criminal or civil legal proceedings.”
We are Partners We should have the same goal in mind……donation! Communication is key Understand that not all C/ME’s are created equally.
Questions ??