Coroner's office to face accreditation mandate

County Coroner Peter Martin and Deputy Coroner Annie Pillers reported to the county commissioners Monday on changes expected for their office in the coming years. One change will require all coroner offices in the state to be accredited by 2020.

Pillers explained this is expected to “provide a lot more standardization in services, which we need.”

She added a lack of accreditation could lead to the office not being reimbursed for services such as autopsies.

Commissioner Michael Largent expressed some concern.

“What does this look like for the long term?” he asked, specifically referencing the financial side of the accreditation process.

Pillers said she was unsure of the long term costs, as this was “pretty new to us.” She said the most expensive cost will be the certification, and she noted that many of the costs, such as for equipment, will be one-time expenses.

“I can't get you a dollar figure yet,” she said.

Largent said he is concerned that the state will not adequately fund its mandates.

“The state has not stepped up to the plate to fund its obligations. When they put you in a position where you have to decide what law you're going to conform to, it's not acceptable,” he said.

Pillers agreed.

“The state does not understand nor appreciate what's going on locally,” Largent added.

Commissioner Art Swannack encouraged Martin and Pillers to keep track of the costs associated with the accreditation process separately from normal costs in their budget, so those could be easier to track and submit for reimbursements.

The coroner's office is also preparing a brochure to leave with the families they serve.

“It's very hard for people when we serve them to hear what we're saying, and how could they?” said Pillers.

The brochure details the purpose of the office, what happens at a scene investigation, family arrangements and services offered by the county to families.

It also will include brief biographies for each person in the coroner's office.

“We intend to have those at our scene and leave them with families,” said Pillers.