(JUNEAU) - Earlier today, the House of Representatives voted to concur with the Senate changes to HB 225, legislation sponsored by Representative Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage) to require that the Commissioner of Health and Social Services to appoint a Deputy Medical Examiner for Alaska.

HB 225 calls for a Deputy Medical Examiner to be hired to assist the State Medical Examiner and help share the extensive workload of the State Medical Examiner's Office.

"The legislature recognizes the important role of the State Medical Examiner's Office, and by passing this legislation, we will ease the burden faced by the Examiner," 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 awaits the Governor's signature to become law.

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