SB 540 Summary

• Amends 63 O.S. 2011, Section 942a to establish a new appeal process for challenging the Chief Medical Examiner's findings regarding cause of death

• Creates the Medical Examiner Review Committee consisting of at least three forensic pathologists (excluding the original examiner) to review appeals from spouses or first-degree relatives of the deceased

• Requires the Review Committee to publish findings within 180 days of appeal submission; if findings are unsatisfactory, parties may appeal to district court of Oklahoma County under judicial review procedures

• Maintains existing requirements that petitioners prove by preponderance of evidence that the death certificate is in error, with no jury trial or monetary damages allowed

• Effective date: November 1, 2013