Kootenai County secures interim coroner arrangements, approves locum pathology contract

Kootenai County commissioners on Jan. 13 approved a short‑term plan to preserve coroner services after the county’s existing autopsy agreement with Spokane was set to end.

Dr. Duke Johnson told the board the county released an RFP earlier that day and had already received one expression of interest from a forensic pathologist. The board approved an agreement with an organization that provides locum forensic pathologists on an as‑needed basis so the county can perform autopsies pending the RFP selection. Johnson noted the contract separates charges for an external examination and for a full internal autopsy; the medical examiner may determine when an internal exam is necessary.

Commissioners also approved a separate 2026 memorandum of understanding with the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Staff told the board Spokane County agreed to extend services through Jan. 31 to allow Kootenai County time to secure other providers.

Dr. Johnson flagged that some locum providers set a per‑incident minimum (three cases) to justify travel and staffing; that could cause a delay of "a week or maybe even two" when caseloads are low, he said, but he characterized that risk as not compromising quality.

Both items were approved by the board. Staff will continue the RFP process and return to the board with contract recommendations and any operational implications.