Legislature(1995 - 1996)
04/27/1996 09:50 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 520(FIN) An Act relating to death investigations and inquests, coroners, public administrators, and medical examiners, including the state medical examiner; relating to the jurisdiction of district court judges and magistrates in certain cases involving death. Co-chairman Halford directed that CSHB 520 (Fin) be brought on for discussion. ART SNOWDEN, Administrative Director, Alaska Court System, came before committee. He referenced first the fiscal notes accompanying the bill and advised of a net zero effect. As background information, Mr. Snowden explained that, for many years, the state utilized a coroner system for determining death. It was a problematic system in which magistrates attempted to determine the cause of death, the state paid for autopsies, and supplementals were needed every year. The legislature created a partial medical examiner system several years ago, and a supplemental was not requested this year because of better ability to control costs. The proposed bill is supported by police, prosecution, courts, and the Dept. of Health and Social Services. It takes the remainder of the coroner system and moves the PCNs to the Dept. of Health and Social Services. The medical examiner will define the cause of death. Mr. Snowden attested to the fact that magistrates are not forensic pathologists. He described problem associated with investigation of death in rural areas of Alaska. The former coroner system created many problems for police and prosecution. The proposed bill solves those problems, and the net cost is zero. Co-chairman Halford noted automatic pressure within the court system budget to keep use down. He suggested there would be less pressure to do so in other budgets. Mr. Snowden responded that, under the proposed bill, the court system would not be ordering autopsies. A true medical examiner and contracts with health aids can precisely determine whether an autopsy is needed. That should cut down need for autopsies, over time. Senator Zharoff cited problems relating to return of bodies to rural areas following autopsies. ELMER LINDSTROM, Special Assistant, Dept. of Health and Social Service, came before committee. He said that as a former staffer to a rural legislator, he was aware of the problem. Creation of the medical examiner's office has dramatically reduced the number of transports of bodies into Anchorage. The office continues to provide for return to the home community, following examination. The medical examiner has proven to be a very cost effective system. The proposed bill will contribute to further efficiencies. Senator Sharp MOVED for passage of CSHB 520 (Fin) with individual recommendation and accompanying fiscal notes. No objection having been raised, CSHB 520 (Fin) was REPORTED OUT of committee with a $287.6 note from the Dept. of Health and Social Services, a ($287.6) note from the Court System, and a zero note from the Dept. of Public Safety. All members signed the committee report with a "do pass" recommendation with the exception of Senator Donley who signed "no recommendation."
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