IAC&ME POSITION STATEMENT

February 25, 2009

IAC&ME has been advised of the following:

In Washington State Legislature has made an attempt to pass a law that requires that all autopsies be performed in a NAME certified facility. It appears the concern is they have been performed in funeral homes.

Recently, we have been advised they killed the bill for the time being but would offer the following position statement from IAC&ME:

• IAC&ME supports the concept of detailed death investigations and following Sudden Undetermined Death Investigation Protocols.
• IAC&ME supports the accreditation of facilities and organizations by IAC&ME, NAME and the use of qualified forensic pathologists.
• IAC&ME does not support the exclusive use of NAME certified facilities for the following reasons:
  • There are not enough NAME certified facilities in the United States
  • The vast majority of Coroner/Medical Examiners are affiliated with either NAME or IAC&ME, but the accreditation process is new and just starting to be accepted within the forensic community.
  • The performance location of the autopsy, while important, is not the only issue.
  • The doctor performing the autopsy should be a Board Certified Forensic Pathologist whenever possible.
• IAC&ME supports full investigative protocols be followed by every death investigator, medical professional and Coroner responding to death calls.

In the final examination of these issues the IAC&ME cannot at this time support any law that would require the performance of an autopsy in only NAME certified facilities.

Respectfully,
P. Michael Murphy, D.B.A.,
President, IAC&ME