Office of Medical Examiner
Entity: 631
Entity Type: State Government
Prior Names
Department of Health. Division of Disease Control and Prevention. State Medical Examiner
Abstract
The position of Medical Examiner was created in 1965 by law. By 1967, it was moved to within the Department of Health. The medical examiner basically assumed the responsibility of the justice of the peace/jury in determining cause of death, along with the county attorney and peace officers investigating the case.
Biography/History Notes
The OME investigates, identifies, and certifies the cause of those deaths specified by state law. A statewide network of deputy medial examiners handles routine cases. About 75 percent of the some 2,300 total annual cases are transported to the central facility in Salt Lake City. Only about 60 percent of those receive a full autopsy. This includes full documentation and reporting.?The OME also teaches death investigation. The OME works with the courts, law enforcement, the medical community, and other governmental entities to provide current and accurate information about cause of death in Utah.