Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §3028-D is enacted to read:

§3028-D.__Disposal of identified dead bodies without connection

to State and unidentified dead bodies

When an identified dead body of a deceased nonresident of this State or an unidentified dead body is the subject of a medical examiner case and, notwithstanding reasonable inquiry by the Chief Medical Examiner, no next of kin, other person or governmental unit is willing to take responsibility for disposition of the body, the Chief Medical Examiner may assume responsibility for proper disposition.__Any necessary expenses incurred by the Chief Medical Examiner must be paid by the Department of Human Services.

SUMMARY

This bill adds a new provision to the Medical Examiner Act to allow the Chief Medical Examiner to assume responsibility for proper disposition of dead bodies of identified nonresidents or unidentified dead bodies that are the subject of medical examiner cases when no other person or governmental unit is willing to take responsibility for disposition. The necessary expenses incurred by the Chief Medical Examiner are to be paid by the Department of Human Services.