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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
medical examiners; authorized persons
Purpose
Authorizes a licensed physician who is trained, rather than board-certified, in forensic pathology to supervise autopsies and related functions performed by medical students or residents and fellows in pathology training.
Background
County medical examiners are responsible for directing death investigations, certifying cause and manner of death and conducting autopsies within their jurisdiction. A county medical examiner may authorize a forensic pathologist to perform an autopsy, and a forensic pathologist who is certified in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology may delegate the performance of autopsies and related tasks to medical students, residents or fellows in pathology training under the pathologist's supervision (A.R.S. § 11-594).
Certification by the American Board of Pathology signifies that a physician has completed the education, training, and examination requirements necessary to demonstrate expertise in pathology. To be eligible for certification, a physician must graduate from an accredited medical school, complete an accredited residency in pathology, hold an active medical license and successfully pass the board’s examinations. Maintenance of certification involves continuing education and periodic assessment to ensure ongoing proficiency (ABPath).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
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.
2. Clarifies 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.
3. Makes technical and conforming changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 16, 2026
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