OCME (Office of the Chief Medical Examiner)
Definition
A US jurisdictional office, typically at state or county level, responsible for investigating deaths that occur under violent, suspicious, sudden, or unexplained circumstances. The physician appointed as Chief Medical Examiner must hold a medical degree, in contrast to the elected coroner model.
- Role
- Investigates deaths under violent, suspicious, sudden, or unexplained circumstances
- Chief qualification
- Must hold a medical degree (appointed, not elected)
- Jurisdictional level
- State or county government office
Common questions
What is the difference between a Chief Medical Examiner and a coroner?+
A Chief Medical Examiner is a physician appointed to the position and must hold a medical degree. A coroner, by contrast, is typically elected rather than appointed. This medical credential is the key distinction between the two roles.
What kinds of deaths does the OCME investigate?+
The OCME investigates deaths that occur under violent, suspicious, sudden, or unexplained circumstances. These cases fall outside natural, expected deaths and require medicolegal examination to determine cause and manner.
At what government level does the OCME operate?+
The OCME is a US jurisdictional office that typically operates at the state or county level. Individual jurisdictions maintain their own offices responsible for death investigations in their areas.
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Explained in these topics
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