RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 302 (HB 195) 2015 Regular Session Jim Morris
Existing 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.
New law 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".
Existing 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.
New law retains existing 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.
New 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.
New law requires all deputy and assistant coroners to take an oath of office.
Prior law required a physician or other person who had 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.
New law reduces the time period from 36 hours to 24 hours.
Effective August 1, 2015.
(Amends R.S. 9:111(B) and R.S. 13:5705 and 5712(A))
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