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Shelby County approves service agreement with Merchant Memorial Hospital for medical examiner investigators
Summary
County staff briefed the board on a new agreement with Merchant Memorial Hospital to provide medical examiner/investigator services (standard investigations $200, complex $400; coroner review $100; $600 annual education fund), effective July 1, 2026; the board voted to approve the contract.
The Shelby County Board of Supervisors approved a service agreement with Merchant Memorial Hospital to provide medical examiner and investigator services beginning July 1, 2026.
County staff briefed the board on the contract terms: "The compensation for standard death investigation will be $200," with a $400 rate for involved deaths (homicide, suicide and other non-natural deaths) and a $100 payment to the county coroner for review and certification. The agreement also provides mileage reimbursement at IRS rates and establishes $600 annually for shared education funds for Shelby County medical examiners. Staff said documentation must be entered into the state's IBS electronic death-certification system within 24 hours in line with Iowa Administrative Rule 641127.
Board members noted the position had not had a pay increase in two decades and supported the updated compensation schedule; a supervisor moved to approve the agreement, a second was offered and the motion passed by voice vote.
County staff will receive monthly invoices and either party may terminate with 365 days' written notice, the briefing said.
