Purpose

• Update how the Hennepin County medical examiner is selected by amending Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 390.0065.
• Create a formal process and board to oversee the selection, with rules for qualifications, ranking, and appointment.

Board Structure and Role

• A Medical Examiner Board of three licensed physicians will be designated by the county.
• The board is responsible for reviewing applicants, ranking them, and reporting the top candidates to the county board.
• The county board then appoints the Hennepin County medical examiner from those listed in the report.
• The examiner serves a four-year term and can be reappointed with procedures to ensure timely renewal.

Qualifications for Applicants

• Applicants must be doctors of medicine (MD) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO) who:
  • Are graduates of a medical school recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
  • Are in good standing in the medical profession.
  • Are eligible for appointment to the staff of the Hennepin County Medical Center.
  • Hold a Minnesota medical license.
  • Are board-certified or board-eligible in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology.

Selection Process

• The Medical Examiner Board reviews qualifications and ranks qualified applicants.
• The board provides the county board with a report listing the seven highest-ranked applicants, including their qualifications.
• The county board appoints the medical examiner from the people listed in the report.

Term, Vacancies, and Interim Procedures

• The medical examiner’s term is four years from the appointment date.
• Reappointments must occur at least 90 days before a term ends.
• If a vacancy occurs, a temporary process is used:
  • The county board of commissioners appoints a medical doctor on staff in the county medical examiner’s office to perform duties temporarily until a full appointment is made under the approved procedure.

Administrative and Financial Provisions

• The actual and necessary expenses of the Medical Examiner Board are paid in accordance with state spending provisions (sections 471.38 to 471.415).

Significance and Impact

• Establishes a formal, multi-person board to oversee the selection of the Hennepin County medical examiner.
• Tightens qualifications and uses a ranking system to guide appointments.
• Introduces a clear four-year term and defined temporary procedures to handle vacancies.

Relevant Terms - Hennepin County medical examiner - Medical Examiner Board - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 390.0065 - Forensic pathology - American Medical Association (AMA) - American Osteopathic Association (AOA) - University of Minnesota (pathology) - Minnesota Society of Pathologists - Hennepin Healthcare - Hennepin County Medical Center - Board-certified / board-eligible in forensic pathology - Appointment, term, and reappointment - Temporary appointment - 471.38 to 471.415 (expense authority)