(JUNEAU) - HB 225, legislation to require the Commissioner of Health and Social Services to appoint both a State Medical Examiner and a Deputy Medical Examiner for Alaska has unanimously passed the House of Representatives.

HB 225, sponsored by Representative Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage) calls for a Deputy Medical Examiner to help share the extensive workload that the State Medical Examiner's Office faces.

"I am pleased that my colleagues in the House understand the importance of bringing on a Deputy Medical Examiner for the state. I hope that this legislation will ease the burden on the Medical Examiner's Office," said Representative McGuire.

In 2004, there were nearly 1,100 cases filed with the State of Alaska's Medical Examiner's Office. Each of these cases may require actions such as autopsies, administrative duties and legal responsibilities, such as testifying in court.

HB 225 now moves to the Senate for consideration by that body.

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