Supervisors direct staff to issue RFP for medical examiner services; policy debate continues

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors on March 17 directed county staff to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for medical examiner services that specifies a supervising licensed medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) board‑certified in anatomic and clinical pathology, with forensic experience and on‑site supervision capable of performing autopsies.

Board rationale and background: County staff and outside consultants presented a cost comparison for three approaches discussed over the last year: (1) continuing the current contract with the private provider and locum arrangements; (2) contracting directly with a licensed forensic pathologist; or (3) establishing county‑run facilities and staff. County staff said in‑house service would carry higher up‑front facility and personnel costs and recommended testing the market by issuing an RFP for professional services so the board has current bids and cost comparisons.

RFP scope described by staff: The draft direction asks for a provider licensed to practice in Arizona; a supervising M.D./D.O. certified in anatomic/clinical pathology (forensic subspecialty acceptable); capacity for timely autopsies and on‑site supervision; compliance with ARS provisions governing medical examiners; and demonstrated experience managing medicolegal investigation logistics (investigators, transport, chain of custody and records).

Timing and service expectations: Board discussion emphasized families’ interest in timely autopsy turnaround. Current practice under the county’s contract involves a mix of locums and a contractor’s facility in Fort Mohave with the contractor saying routine autopsy turnaround averages several days and can be expedited to 24 hours in urgent cases. The board asked staff to write the RFP to avoid overly restrictive requirements that might limit responses (procurement reminded the board an RFP process typically takes 60–120 days from scope development to award recommendation).

Why it matters: The county provides medicolegal death investigation as a statutory public function. Supervisors cited the need for a stable, compliant contract that meets statutory requirements, ensures timely service for families and provides cost transparency for future budgets.

Next steps: Procurement and county attorney staff will draft the RFP and bring a timeline and draft solicitation back to the board; staff advised that an RFP does not obligate the county to award a contract but will provide updated market pricing to inform a final decision between continuing third‑party provision versus a county‑operated model.