Proposals for Medical Examiner Services should address the following objectives, which are not necessarily all-inclusive: 1. Conducting inquiries into all deaths reported to the Delta County Medical Examiner’s Office. Upon County establishing that the Delta County Medical Examiner’s Office has jurisdiction over the death, Contractor will conduct a full investigation in accordance with standards adopted by the National Association of Medical Examiners (“NAME”). Contractor shall generate a record of all reported deaths, regardless of jurisdiction, and shall maintain case files. 2. Administering the Medical Examiner Investigator process. If the proposing individual/firm utilizes a Medical Examiner Investigator process to respond to each death scene, the firm’s response shall include a detailed description of the process to secure Medical Examiner Investigators as well as the process to administer these services. The names of candidates under consideration for the position of Medical Examiner Investigator will be forwarded to the County Administrator/Controller for review and approval. 3. Performing forensic autopsies pursuant to the requirements of the State of Michigan and according to professional standards established by the NAME. Such exams shall include necessary forensic neuropathology, toxicology, anthropology, entomology, odontology, biology, radiology, and any other specialized testing, based upon standards established by the NAME. Forensic toxicology and other forensic consultants may be subcontracted to other individuals or firms whose qualifications meet the requirements and are accredited to perform these functions. 4. Signing all appropriate death certificates and review and authorize cremation permits in a timely manner. Contractor will work cooperatively with funeral directors and the Delta County Clerk’s Office to ensure that death certificates and cremation permits are completed accurately and in a timely manner, as required by law. Contractor shall keep a record of all cremation permits issued and forward the information to the Administrative Assistant on a monthly basis for billing purposes. 5. Providing necessary communications and being available to respond to the inquiries of County staff, Prosecuting Attorneys, criminal defense attorneys, law enforcement agencies, funeral directors, health care institutions and their professional staff, and involved citizens and families regarding particular death investigations and general procedures. 6. Providing necessary information to and participate in death reviews, including participation in child death review team meetings. 7. Participating in court proceedings, when officially requested. 8. Attending meetings with County officials as requested. 9. Contractor shall utilize its best efforts to conduct autopsies within forty-eight (48) hours of a body’s release from the scene of death, (or as soon as possible in extenuating circumstances). It is recognized that circumstances, such as frozen bodies, high caseload, and donations to Gift of Life, may delay autopsies.
