Orange County Medical Examiner Ordinance Board of County Commissioners Public Hearing August 4,

Presentation Overview  Purpose  Background  Draft Ordinance  Action Requested 2

Presentation Overview  Purpose  Background  Draft Ordinance  Action Requested 3

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

Presentation Overview  Purpose  Background  Draft Ordinance  Action Requested 7

 Serving both Orange & Osceola – State of the art facility – Nationally accredited (NAME) – All Physicians hold highest level certifications – 2 nd only to Miami-Dade in number of autopsies performed in 2013 District 9 Medical Examiner 8

 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 Examiners 4

 F.S : – 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 Option This changes the appointing entity, not the professional or statutorily defined duties 11

Presentation Overview  Purpose  Background  Draft Ordinance  Actioned Requested 10

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

Draft 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 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 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 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 Overview  Purpose  Background  Draft Ordinance  Action Requested 14

Requested Action  Adoption of the Orange County Medical Examiner ordinance as drafted

Orange County Medical Examiner Ordinance Board of County Commissioners Public Hearing August 4,