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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 242-06
July 11, 2006

MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION AMENDING PROCEDURES OF CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER

Remarks by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The next bill before me is Preconsidered Introductory Number 385, sponsored at the request of the Administration by Council Members Addabbo, Comrie, Mark-Viverito, Palma, Stewart, Nelson, Seabrook, Sears, Mealy and White.  Intro. 385 amends the titles and procedures of the office of the chief medical examiner.

"Intro. 385 reflects the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding entered into between our Administration and certain employees of the Medical Examiner's Office, and includes several provisions designed to streamline the process by which the deceased are examined.  For example, the legislation eliminates obsolete titles and allows lay medical investigators - who are either physician assistants or nurse practitioners duly licensed in the State of New York - to take charge of the deceased and investigate the facts concerning the circumstances of death.  The chief medical examiner, deputy chief medical examiner, medical examiner or medical investigator will continue to be solely responsible for certifying the cause of death and only a medical examiner can decide whether or not an autopsy needs to be performed. 

"The loss of a loved one is an extremely difficult time for family and friends.  Because this legislation adds lay medical investigators to the list of people able to take charge of the deceased and investigate the facts of the cause of death, the City will be better able to serve the families and friends of the deceased in a timely manner to allow for funeral arrangements while helping to provide closure.

"I would like to thank the Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Charles Hirsch and the Office of Labor Relations Commissioner Jim Hanley and their respective staffs for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank the City Council for approving the bill."







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser/Jennifer Falk   (212) 788-2958




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