ARC 3212C
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT[641]
Notice of Intended Action
Twenty-five interested persons, a governmental subdivision, an agency or association of 25 or more persons may demand an oral presentation hereon as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.4(1)“b.”
Notice is also given to the public that the Administrative Rules Review Committee may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this proposed action under section 17A.8(6) at a regular or special meeting where the public or interested persons may be heard.
Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 691.6, the Iowa Department of Public Health hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 126, “State Medical Examiner,” Iowa Administrative Code.
The Office of the State Medical Examiner is proposing to change the recommended autopsy fee from $1,400 to $1,900 to cover the increasing costs of medical supplies, personnel, information management (costs associated with case management application maintenance, data storage, and security requirements), and of maintaining accreditation with the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME). The base autopsy fee is retained by the Office of the State Medical Examiner and is applied toward providing forensic pathology and death investigation services.
The proposed amendment has been reviewed by the State Medical Examiner Advisory Council and the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner Interagency Council.
Any interested person may make written suggestions or comments on this proposed amendment on or before August 8, 2017. Such written comments should be directed to John Kraemer, Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner, Department of Public Health, 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. Comments may be sent by e-mail to john.kraemer@idph.iowa.gov.
After analysis and review of this rule making, no impact on jobs has been found.
This amendment is intended to implement Iowa Code section 691.6.
The following amendment is proposed.
	Amend subrule 126.3(1) as follows:
	126.3(1) Fee schedule. The fees collected under this subrule shall be considered repayment receipts as defined in Iowa Code section 8.2.
	a. 	The following fees shall apply to autopsies conducted by the state medical examiner:
Exceptions: A copy of the autopsy report is automatically sent to the county medical examiner and to the county attorney without fee. A single copy of an autopsy report may be provided to the immediate next of kin of the deceased without fee. Copies of autopsy reports may be provided to public officials and physicians of record for official purposes without fee.
	b. 	The following fee is for time spent reviewing case materials, preparing for deposition or court, testifying in deposition or court, and travel time.
	c. 	A cremation permit fee of $75 will be assessed for each permit investigated and authorized by the state medical examiner’s office.