DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 195 Reengrossed 2015 Regular Session Jim Morris
Abstract: Provides for the appointment of one or more assistant coroners in addition to the
appointment of one or more deputy coroners, requires deputy and assistant coroners to take
an oath of office, and requires certain persons to immediately notify the coroner of a death
under certain circumstances.
Present law provides that the medical pronouncement of death by a coroner may be based on
personal observation, information, or statements obtained from coroner investigators or emergency
medical technicians at the scene who are reporting from firsthand observation of the physical
condition of the deceased. Provides that the name of the personnel that the coroner is relying on shall
be noted on the coroner's day record or protocol.
Proposed law retains present law and adds registered nurses and physician assistants to the list of
persons upon whose information the coroner may base the medical pronouncement of death, and
changes the term "day record or protocol" to "investigative report".
Present law provides that each coroner may appoint one or more deputy or assistant coroners who
possess the same qualifications as the coroner and who need not be residents of the parish, but
requires that if a deputy or assistant coroner is not a resident of the parish, that person shall be a
licensed physician.
Proposed law retains present law relative to deputy coroners, but provides that in addition to one or
more deputy coroners, the coroner may also appoint one or more assistant coroners who are not
required to have the same qualifications as the coroner.
Proposed law authorizes an assistant coroner to serve on a part-time basis for a term not to exceed
that of the coroner, and who may serve as an assistant coroner in more than one parish.
Proposed law requires all deputy and assistant coroners to take an oath of office.
Present law requires a physician or other person having knowledge of a death under sudden,
accidental, violent, or suspicious circumstances or without medical attendance within 36 hours prior
to death to immediately notify the coroner of the death. Proposed law reduces the time period from 36 hours to 24 hours.
(Amends R.S. 9:111(B) and R.S. 13:5705 and 5712(A))