Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office Obtains National Association of Medical Examiner Accreditation

The Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office achieved the distinction of Accreditation by the National Association of Medical Examiners in April, 2004. In March 2009 the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office underwent another inspection and was again accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners. The National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) is the national professional organization of forensic pathologists, physician medical examiners, medical death investigators, death investigation system administrators, and consultants who perform the official duties of medicolegal investigation of deaths of public interest in the United States. Most members work as Medical Examiners or Coroners. Accreditation is a rigorous process, and requires a lengthy inspection by an independent Medical Examiner appointed by the organization. The accreditation requirements are 28 pages long, and include an estimated 300 items covering things such as how specimens are labeled, and the qualifications of staff members. The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office is accredited for a 5 year period, until May 2014. Please see the attached inspection report.

N.A.M.E. Inspection Report