Medical Examiner

Medical Examiner's Function

Oregon State Law mandates that, in each county, there shall be a medical examiner for the purpose of investigating and certifying the cause and manner of deaths requiring investigation. The District Attorney shares in these duties and responsibilities.

The Law

146.090 Deaths requiring investigation

1. The medical examiner shall investigate and certify the cause and manner of all human deaths:
   • (a) Apparently homicidal, suicidal or occurring under suspicious or unknown circumstances;
   • (b) Resulting from the unlawful use of controlled substances or the use or abuse of chemicals or toxic agents;
   • (c) Occurring while incarcerated in any jail, correction facility or in police custody;
   • (d) Apparently accidental or following an injury;
   • (e) By disease, injury or toxic agent during or arising from employment;
   • (f) While not under the care of a physician during the period immediately previous to death;
   • (g) Related to disease which might constitute a threat to the public health.

How the System Works

Linn County deaths are investigated by a Linn County physician Medical Examiner and Medicolegal Death Investigators who are also Registered Nurses. The Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office provides autopsy and toxicology services.

Mission

The primary mission of the Linn County Medical Examiner’s office is to gather information necessary to accurately certify manner and cause of death.

Manner of Death:

• Based on cause and circumstance
  • Natural
  • Accident
  • Suicide
  • Homicide
  • Undetermined

Cause of Death:

• Based on mechanism; the specific disease or injury which led to death