The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes to enhance the responsibilities and processes related to the handling of deceased indigent persons. It would allow licensed physicians trained in forensic pathology to supervise medical students and residents during autopsies, replacing the requirement for board certification with training. Additionally, the bill would clarify that county medical examiners or alternate medical examiners can retain and manage the remains of indigent individuals at county-owned crematories, ensuring that cremations are conducted by licensed professionals. It also stipulates that if the medical examiner is responsible for the final disposition, a different county employee must register the death certificate to maintain objectivity.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the application process for counties seeking crematory licenses, mandating that the county medical examiner or alternate medical examiner submit the application on behalf of the county. It introduces technical changes to ensure consistency in terminology, such as replacing "geographical" with "geographic," and it specifies that funeral establishments can be removed from receiving medical examiner cases upon written request. Overall, these updates aim to streamline procedures and clarify the roles of medical examiners and funeral establishments in managing the remains of indigent persons.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-594, 11-600, 32-1321, 32-1395, 11-593, 28-668, 13-1210, 36-670, 11-251.08, 15-1401, 36-831, 32-1393
House Engrossed Version: 11-594, 11-600, 32-1321, 32-1395, 11-593, 28-668, 13-1210, 36-670, 11-251.08, 15-1401, 36-831, 32-1393, 32-1394.01, 36-113, 36-325