Rhode Island § 23-4-5 - Office of State Medical Examiners
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 23-4-5 — Office of State Medical Examiners, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-4-5. Office of State Medical Examiners
R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4-5
§ 23-4-5. Chief medical examiner — Assistants and other staff.
(a) The office shall be under the immediate supervision of a chief, who shall be known as the “chief medical examiner” and who shall be a physician licensed under the provisions of chapter 37 of title 5, and a qualified pathologist certified by the American Board of Pathology and who has had forensic training or experience. He or she shall be appointed by the director of health as shall the deputy chief medical examiner with the advice of the medical examiner’s commission. The chief medical examiner shall be in the unclassified service and the deputy chief medical examiner shall be in the classified service.
(b) The chief medical examiner shall appoint, with the approval of the director of health, assistant medical examiners and shall hire other staff as necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
(c) Persons employed full time at the time of enactment of this chapter within the division of medical examiners in the department of the attorney general shall be transferred to the office of state medical examiners with their former rights and privileges of employment. For members eligible to retire on or before June 30, 2012, such members shall be eligible for retirement benefits after the age of fifty (50) years and service of twenty (20) years, including service within the division of medical examiners. For members eligible to retire on or after July 1, 2012, such members shall be eligible for retirement benefits in accordance with chapters 8 through 10 of title 36.
History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 169, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 400, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 408, § 21; P.L. 2011,
ch. 409, § 21.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 23-4-5
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 23-4-5 cover?
Section 23-4-5 ("Office of State Medical Examiners") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 23-4-5?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 23-4-5" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 23-4-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.