A.R.S. § 11-592: County medical examiner; alternate medical examiners; fund; notification

A. The board of supervisors of each county may appoint a forensic pathologist to the position of medical examiner. The medical examiner shall receive compensation as determined by the board of supervisors.

B. If the board of supervisors determines that the appointment of a medical examiner is not practicable, the board of supervisors shall designate one or more alternate medical examiners who need not be residents of the county. An alternate medical examiner shall perform the duties of a medical examiner except all autopsies shall be performed by a forensic pathologist.

C. If the board of supervisors designates one or more alternate medical examiners, the board may establish a county fund and shall pay expenses incurred by alternate medical examiners in the performance of their duties and for the cost of cases referred to a forensic pathologist.

D. The sheriff of the county is responsible for notifying an alternate medical examiner to direct a death investigation.