Jim Morris HB No. 195
(KEYWORD, SUMMARY, AND DIGEST as amended by Senate committee
amendments)
CORONERS. Provides with respect to the office of coroner
DIGEST
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 adds that deputy coroners
must possess at least the same qualifications as the coroner and further 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))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary A to the
reengrossed bill
1. Adds that deputy coroners must possess at least the same qualifications as the
coroner.
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Prepared by Jerry G. Jones.