WHO ARE WE?

The Washington Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (WACME) is a professional organization of county coroners/medical examiners and their deputies in Washington State.

Lead and Advocate for best practices and excellence in death investigations.

Facilitate the exchange of information pertaining to the duties, methods and official practices of members.

Provide for the essential and continued education in all matters relating to coroners / medical examiners.  

Create education opportunities for our members and the public, focusing on the safety and welfare of Washington State residents and visitors.

Promote communication with the law enforcement and the medical communities and with other individuals and agencies involved in death investigations.

1. All Counties in Washington State should have a separately elected / appointed Coroner / Medical Examiner.
   Regardless of county population, an independent Coroner/Medical Examiner with both local authority and accountability is critical to objective death investigations and providing post mortem services to survivors.
   
   
2. All Washington State County Coroner/Medical Examiner offices should be have access to board certified forensic pathologists.
   Regardless of county size all Coroner/Medical Examiner offices need reliable and sustainable access to well qualified and board certified forensic pathologists to complete all required autopsies.
   
   
3. All Washington State County Coroners / Medical Examiner offices need adequate resources and capacity to ensure accuracy and timeliness in conduct of death investigation services.
   Delays in any aspect of death investigation or unreasonable caseloads can affect accuracy, hinder investigations, deter criminal justice and impact public health safeguards. Policy options for achieving objectives:
   • Require and report 90% of toxicology examinations complete within 90 days of case submission
   • Investigate cost and service efficiencies of a regional model of toxicology laboratory services
   • Study and report on Coroner / Medical Examiner office caseloads statewide and degree to which they deviate from national standards

More information regarding WACME and WACO Priority Legislation can be found on our legislative advocacy page: http://countyofficials.org/232/Legislative-Advocacy