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- Threat to medical examiner authority fails in Texas
A Texas bill aimed at undermining the independent judgment of medical examiners failed to advance after opposition from the CAP, the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), and the Texas Society of Pathologists.
Why it matters: House Bill 2845 would have superseded medical examiner judgment in the classification of deaths related to substance overdoses.
- The CAP's advocacy ensured the preservation of medical discretion and integrity in forensic autopsies.
What they're saying: The CAP stated, "Death certification is the practice of medicine and should not be statutorily dictated."
- NAME emphasized the need for physicians to certify medical diagnoses.
The bottom line: The CAP continues to advocate against legislation that threatens the autonomy of forensic pathologists.