Funding Forensic Experts: Improving Medical Examiner and Coroner Systems.
This law aims to improve the quality and speed of death investigations by funding the training and employment of forensic pathologists, toxicologists, and medicolegal death investigators. Citizens will benefit from more accurate and timely determinations of the cause and manner of death, which is vital for the justice system and public health tracking. The grants are specifically designed to address critical shortages in these specialized fields.
Key points
Establishes federal grants to fund forensic pathology fellowships, covering salary and expenses (mandating at least 40 fellowships annually).
Provides funding for training and certification of medicolegal death investigators and forensic toxicologists supporting medical examiner offices.
Financial benefits received by individuals participating in these fellowships and training programs are exempt from federal taxation.
Authorizes $13 million annually (FY 2025-2029) to strengthen forensic medicine services, prioritizing rural areas and communities heavily affected by the opioid crisis.
Expired
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