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. Specifically, it would allow licensed physicians trained in forensic pathology to supervise medical students and residents during autopsies, and it would enable county medical examiners to retain and manage the remains of indigent individuals at county-owned crematories. The bill also clarifies that cremations must be performed by licensed cremationists and stipulates that if the county medical examiner is responsible for the final disposition, a different county employee must register the death certificate to avoid conflicts of interest.

Additionally, the bill modifies the application process for counties seeking crematory licenses, requiring that the county medical examiner or alternate medical examiner submit the application on behalf of the county. It makes technical changes to ensure consistency in terminology, such as replacing "geographical" with "geographic," and it introduces new provisions that expand the scope of services provided by medical examiners, including the ability to direct funeral services for indigent persons. Overall, these updates aim to streamline processes and improve the management of deceased individuals who lack financial resources for burial.

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