Media Release

For Immediate Release
Date: August 31, 2005
Contact: Robert Marshall, PhD 401-222-1017

Department of Health Releases Audit Report on Medical Examiners Office
Reforms Already Underway in Management, Customer Service and Training

Today the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) received the results of an audit regarding the status of autopsy reports competed by the Office of the State Medical Examiner (OSME).

The audit, conducted by the Bureau of Audits (RI Department of Administration), identified 1,513 incomplete autopsy reports, or 43% of the total 3547 cases requiring autopsy reports during the period beginning January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2005. The audit also recommended five key changes in the management and procedures for completing autopsy reports. HEALTH endorsed the methodology and procedures used in the analysis and concurred with the findings and recommendations in a written response to the audit report.

“Clearly this level of past performance does not meet our expectations,” said David R. Gifford, MD, MPH, Director of the RI Department of Health. “Going forward, we are determined to complete all written autopsy reports in a timely manner.”

In anticipation of the audit report HEALTH consulted with the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), the national accrediting agency, who advised state officials to respond promptly to requests for completed reports from this period. NAME also recommended that RI assure that all autopsy reports are completed quickly in the future.

Through the course of the audit HEALTH implemented a series of management reforms, many of which coincide with the audit’s recommendations including areas of management and efficiency; customer service, safety and training. Gifford added, “These reforms, in addition to others recommended by the Bureau of Audits, will improve the operations of the Office of the State Medical Examiner and its service to the citizens of Rhode Island.”

HEALTH requested the audit following the resignation of Dr. Elizabeth Laposata in June 2005, when it came to light that hundreds of final written autopsy reports had not been completed--despite having completed the autopsy and all associated tests and investigations. This disclosure also conflicted with information provided by the former Medical Examiner in March 2005 indicating that 95% of the cases were completed within six months. The incomplete reports related only to cases for which no inquiries were made by law enforcement officials, medical experts or family members. Therefore, the incomplete status of the reports has not adversely affected the medical or legal standing of the cases involved.

For the full text of the audit report and more information about the operation of the Office of the State Medical Examiner, go to: www.HEALTH.ri.gov.