Maryland Senate Bill SB779

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner – Access to Records – Attorney General

Impact

The proposed changes in SB 779 will alter the current protocol regarding access to records from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. By allowing the Attorney General to audit operations more thoroughly, the bill is likely to establish stricter oversight measures that could result in modifications to how records are maintained and accessed. Stakeholders anticipate that this legislation could lead to a more equitable system for handling medical examinations, especially concerning cases that may show bias in investigations of deaths.

Summary

Senate Bill 779 mandates that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner provide the Attorney General or the Attorney General’s designee with access to certain records for the purpose of conducting legal compliance audits, specifically focusing on potential bias in the operations of the Office. This is a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the processes related to death investigations. The bill aims to enhance oversight by allowing the Attorney General's office to examine the records that may reveal systemic issues within the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's operations.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve oversight, there are notable concerns surrounding privacy and the operational implications for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Opponents may argue that increased scrutiny could hamper the office's ability to operate efficiently, as resources may be redirected towards fulfilling audit requests. Moreover, there may be debates over what constitutes 'bias' and whether the audit process could introduce unnecessary delays in the handling of sensitive cases or compromise the confidentiality of deceased individuals' records.