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Abstract

The development of regional death investigation centers has been discussed as a way to provide death investigation services in areas of the country where such services are lacking or to improve existing services where needed. This article discusses possible regionalization in terms of Regional Death Investigation Centers (RDIC) and Regional Autopsy Centers (RAC) as options. Included is discussion of perceived need for, and potential value of, regional centers along with a review of existing regional centers of various types and some examples of novel approaches. The establishment of regional centers might not only provide services where needed, but could also help secure the profession of forensic pathology by creating more jobs in desirable facilities with reasonable caseload, reasonable salary, qualified coworkers, and a professional collegial environment.

Keywords

Forensic pathology Death investigation systems Regional death investigation centers Coroners and medical examiners

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The Future of Forensic Pathology: Is Regionalization a Key?

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