641—127.7 (331,691) County medical examiner investigators.
	 127.7(1) Appointment. A county medical examiner may appoint one or more county medical examiner investigators upon approval by the board of supervisors and the state medical examiner.
	 127.7(2) Qualifications.
	  a.   	 Prior to appointment, a CME-I shall possess a minimum of two years of experience as a licensed or certified nurse or medical care provider; and
	  b.   	 Prior to or within three years of appointment, a CME-I shall satisfy the following criteria:
	 (1) 	 Attend the St.	Louis School of Medicine Medicolegal, Basic and Master’s Death Investigation Course or its state medical examiner-approved equivalent; and
	 (2) 	 Obtain and maintain certification as a death investigator by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.
	  c.   	 A CME-I is not required to meet the requirements of paragraph “a” or “b” if the individual has functioned in the capacity of a CME-I for a period of five years as of January 1, 2002.
	  d.   	 If a CME is unable to appoint a CME-I who possesses the qualifications required by paragraph “a,” “b,” or “c,” the CME may request a waiver. Waiver requests shall be submitted in writing to the state medical examiner and shall include the efforts undertaken by the CME to locate a CME-I who meets the above qualifications; the qualifications of the individual willing to serve in the capacity of CME-I; and the period of time for which the waiver is requested, not to exceed two years. The state medical examiner has sole discretion to waive the requirements of this rule and may withdraw or modify a waiver request upon a finding that the CME-I has failed to adequately perform the duties of the position or for other good cause.
	 127.7(3) Duties. A CME-I shall assist in death investigations. A CME-I acting under the supervision of a county medical examiner may sign the Form ME-1. A CME-I shall not sign a certificate of death or a Form ME-5.
	 127.7(4) Supervision. A CME-I shall serve under the supervision of a county medical examiner. A CME-I may provide services only when in the personal presence of a county medical examiner or under the direction of a county medical examiner who is available in person or under the direction of a county medical examiner when the county medical examiner or the state medical examiner’s office is available by telephonic communication. A CME-I shall at all times perform services in a manner which is consistent with the protocol outlined in the most current edition of the County Medical Examiner’s Handbook and any policies or protocols of the supervising county medical examiner.
	 127.7(5) Fees. Fees for the services provided by a CME-I shall be paid by the county of appointment.