The Edmond Sun

July 6, 2009

Lawmakers work on accreditation problem


OKLAHOMA CITY — Two lawmakers who are doctors say they are working to resolve problems that led to the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's Office losing accreditation.

Rep. Doug Cox of Grove says the negative report presents an opportunity to upgrade the state Medical Examiner's office to be the best in the country.

A report from the National Association of Medical Examiners last week blamed a number of deficiencies at the Oklahoma agency on a lack of funding for adequate staff, equipment and facilities. The report praised the quality of work by state medical examiners.

Rep. Mike Ritze of Broken Arrow says many administrative problems can be resolved soon.

The agency's new director, Dr. Collie Trant, says the report confirms what he had been telling lawmakers after he took the job earlier this year.