ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Majority Research Staff
	Senate: HHS DP 6-0-1-0 | Third Read 29-1-0-0 House: HHS DP 12-0-0-0

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SB 1123: medical examiners; authorized persons

Sponsor: Senator Werner, LD 4

Caucus & COW

Overview

Requires a licensed physician supervising autopsies performed by medical students, residents or pathology fellows to be trained in forensic pathology, rather than board-certified in forensic pathology.

History

County medical examiners oversee death investigations within their jurisdiction, determine and certify the cause and manner of death and conduct autopsies. A county medical examiner may authorize a forensic pathologist to perform an autopsy. A forensic pathologist certified in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology may delegate the performance of autopsies and related duties to medical students, residents or fellows in pathology training, provided the work is conducted under the pathologist’s supervision (A.R.S. § 11-594).

Certification by the American Board of Pathology indicates that a physician has satisfied the education, training and examination standards required to demonstrate competency in pathology. Eligibility for certification requires graduation from an accredited medical school, completion of an accredited pathology residency program, possession of a current medical license and successful passage of the board’s examinations. Maintaining certification requires ongoing continuing education and periodic evaluations to ensure continued professional proficiency (ABPath).

Provisions

1. Requires a licensed physician to be trained, rather than board-certified, in forensic pathology in order to supervise autopsies performed by medical students or residents and fellows in pathology training. (Sec. 1)

2. Specifies that medical students, residents or fellows in pathology training, under the supervision of a licensed physician who is trained in forensic pathology, may perform outlined functions of the county medical examiner. (Sec. 2-3)

3. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 2-3)

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7. Initials AG                       SB 1123

8. 3/5/2026    Page 0 Caucus & COW

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