MS HB922

Creates a nine-member board to appoint and oversee the State Medical Examiner, composed of the State Health Officer, Dean of University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine, Commissioner of Public Safety, Attorney General, and presidents of the Coroners, Prosecutors, Public Defenders, Chiefs of Police, and Sheriffs associations.

Board maintains oversight of State Medical Examiner's rules and regulations, provides advice, and approves fees and budget; requires board meetings at least twice yearly with five members constituting a quorum.

Requires county medical examiners to notify the State Medical Examiner upon receiving notification of deaths affecting public interest and to make decisions regarding investigations in consultation with law enforcement and/or the State Medical Examiner.

Allows State Medical Examiner to choose a competent pathologist to perform autopsies rather than performing all autopsies personally, provided the pathologist is certified in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology.

Requires State Medical Examiner to be an affiliate or regular faculty member of the Department of Pathology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center; effective July 1, 2011.