Medical Examiner

Greene County has a Medical Examiner as provided by Missouri statute. The office of Medical Examiner replaces the elected office of Coroner which exists in smaller counties. A Medical Examiner by statute must be a licensed physician, and is appointed to serve by the county commission.

Missouri Statute 58.720 directs the Medical Examiner to investigate the following deaths:

• Violence, by Homicide, Suicide, or Accident;
• Thermal, Chemical, Electrical, or Radiation injury;
• Criminal Abortion, including self-induced;
• Hazardous and Contagious Disease which might constitute a threat to public health;

Or when any person dies:

• Suddenly when apparent good health;
• When unattended by a physician, chiropractor, or accredited Christian Science practitioner in the 36 hours immediately preceding death;
• While in custody of the law, or while an inmate in a public institution;
• In any unusual or suspicious manner.

By Missouri Statute, Child Deaths under age 18 are to be reported to the medical examiner for investigation and referral to the Child Fatality Review Panel. This includes the attended death of any child under 18 who is under care of a physician. All deaths in a residential care facility, and all hospice deaths are required to be reported to the Medical Examiners Office.

The Medical Examiner will determine the need for an autopsy based on the information received from the initial investigation. An autopsy is not performed on every case referred to the Medical Examiner. An autopsy is required by statute in children under one year of age who are in apparent good health.

Greene County does not have a dedicated facility for the Medical Examiners Office at this time. Administrative offices are at 917 Boonville, directly across from the historic court house. Transportation and storage of bodies is contracted with a local mortuary service. Autopsy facilities are used by agreement with a local hospital.

Greene County Medical Examiner

Paul R. Spence M.D.

917 Boonville Ave.

Springfield, MO 65802

Telephone: (417) 868-4822

After Hours: (417) 885-7686

Fax: (417) 868-4823

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