Medical Examiner Program

The State of Oregon mandates, (ORS) 146.065, that there shall be, in each county a medical examiner.  This District Medical Examiner (DME) shall investigate unattended, unusual, or traumatic deaths.  The District Attorney (DA) shares in these duties and responsibilities (ORS 137.100).

Types of deaths requiring DME investigation:

Deaths from apparent homicide, or suicides occurring under suspicious circumstances.

Deaths resulting from unlawful use of controlled substances or the use and abuse of chemicals or toxic agents.

Deaths occurring while the subject is incarcerated or in police custody.

Accidental deaths or following an injury.

Death caused by disease, injury or toxic agent during or arising from employment.

Death while not under the care of a physician during the period immediately previous to death.

Death from a disease that may threaten public health.

Any human body apparently disposed of in an offensive manner.

(ORS 146.090)

The DME may, subject to approval of the DA, appoint deputy medical examiners (deputy ME’s).  In Deschutes County many of the peace officers are appointed as Deputy ME’s (ORS 146.085).

Deputy ME’s shall investigate deaths subject to the control and direction of the DME and the DA.  Deputy ME’s may authorize the removal of a body from the scene.  Deputy ME’s are not authorized to embalm, order autopsies, or certify the cause of death.

The DME and DA have the authority to request the removal of bodily fluids and request autopsies. (ORS 146.113 and 146.117).  All DME or DA requested autopsies conducted at facilities other that the State Medical Examiner’s office are paid for by Deschutes County.  Body transportation to the State Medical Examiner’s office is also paid for by Deschutes County.  Families requesting a private autopsy must pay the facility conducting the autopsy; Deschutes County does not pay for privately requested autopsies.  Autopsies are not ordered by the DME or DA is every death case.

Copies of death certificates, DME reports, copies of autopsies (if requested by DME or DA), and toxicology reports are kept on file in the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.  Copies are available for a fee.