MS SB2400

Allows county medical examiners in Lee, Itawamba, Warren, and Harrison counties to contract with private pathologists to perform autopsies with board of supervisors approval as a three-year pilot program from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022.

Private pathologists must be designated by the State Medical Examiner as qualified to perform postmortem examinations and autopsies, and must be M.D. or D.O. certified in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology (unless no certified forensic pathologist is available within reasonable time).

Amends Section 41-61-77 to clarify that the prohibition on county medical examiners contracting with private pathologists does not apply to the pilot program counties.

Maintains existing requirements for autopsy reports to be submitted to the State Medical Examiner and provided to district attorneys, court clerks, and family members upon request.