COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES

February 28, 2005

A work session of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners was held on Monday, February 28, 2005 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Chairman Kay called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Earl Kay, Bernie LaJoie, Don Cooper, Dick Timmer, Scott Shackleton, and Ted Postula (5:05pm)

MEMBERS ABSENT: Jim Moore

OTHERS PRESENT: Aaron Hopper, Dr. James Terrian; Chippewa County Health Department, David Rencher, War Memorial Hospital, Sheriff Jeff Moran, Kelly Beaune, Recorder

Agenda Item: Medical Examiner

The committee met at the request of War Memorial Hospital, to discuss the role of Medical Examiner and War Memorial Hospital’s need to maintain compliance with accreditation. During the hospitals most recent accreditation review, the autopsy rate had a negative impact on the credentials of War Memorial Hospital. Mr. Rencher indicated that WMH has on staff two physicians who could perform both the Medical Examiner duties and autopsies. WMH will bear the cost of any autopsies ordered on behalf of the hospital. Dr. Terrian reviewed past practices of the Medical Examiner position, and supported the proposal presented by WMH. Discussion included conflict of interest, keeping budgets in check, complying with the law, details of whom can pronounce deaths, protocol of law enforcement and emergency crews. A Memorandum of Agreement and cooperative effort between the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners, Chippewa County Health Department and War Memorial Hospital will be presented to respective Boards as soon as possible.

Adjourn

The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.

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Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder Earl Kay, Chairman