Dead Reckoning: America's System of Coroners and Medical Examiners is Facing Unprecedented Challenges

Details the increased workload on coroners, medical examiners, and forensic pathologists in part due to the opioid epidemic, focusing on Kentucky to shine a light on the national issue. Coroners' offices are struggling under the increased workload and expense, in some cases risking or even losing their accreditation. But even with funding, medical examiners can be difficult to recruit or retain due to high medical school debt and the lower pay scale and there are only 500 board-certified forensic pathologists in the country, less than half of the estimated need. This increased pressure can lead to less in-depth investigations of deaths, which may also impact public health.
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - Category: Rural Health Source Type: news