Over this past week our office has received several phone calls regarding Missouri Laws and Regulations pertaining to the Coroner’s office.
Under Missouri Code 58.375. 3. The law states, “There shall be no solicitation by the coroner or his deputy regarding the funeral arrangements of the deceased. Any act of solicitation prohibited under this section shall also be grounds for removal under sections 106.230 to 106.290, RSMo.”
The Coroners position in the State of Missouri is an elected position and is also governed under the Missouri Ethics Commission. General provisions of the law, as they apply to elected and appointed officials, are contained in sections 105.450 to 105.467 and section 171.181, RSMo. Conflict of Interest laws state that elected and appointed officials cannot use their office for financial gain for him/herself, spouse, dependent children or businesses.

We would like to answer some common questions for the purpose of clarification. Please remember you should never feel pressured or influenced into a decision that you feel unsure or uncomfortable about making.

Q. WHY IS THE CORONER INVOLVED?
A. Missouri State Law requires that the Coroner be notified on certain deaths such as violent, sudden unexpected and unattended deaths. The Coroner must then determine the cause and manner of death.

Q. WHERE WILL MY LOVED ONE BE TAKEN?
A. If an autopsy is going to be done they will be taken to a Doctor of Forensic Pathology chosen by the County Coroner. If an autopsy is not needed, they should be picked up from their residence, hospital, or care facility by the funeral home of the family's choice.

Q. IS AN AUTOPSY ALWAYS PERFORMED?
A. No. Each case is evaluated on an individual basis. When there is additional need to establish the cause and manner of death an autopsy will be performed by a Forensic Pathologist.

Q. WILL I BE CHARGED FOR THE SERVICES OF THE CORONER?
A. No. The Coroner’s office is funded by county tax. The legal next-of-kin is responsible for the final disposition arrangements made through the funeral home of the family’s choice.
Below you will find contact information for the regulating agencies for the State of Missouri.

Missouri Ethics Commission 3411A Knipp Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
(573) 751-2020 phone
(800) 392-8660 toll free
(573) 526-4506 fax
helpdesk@mec.mo.gov email

Missouri Coroners Association Edwin Wilson 660-727-2117 edwinwilson@centurytel.net

Missouri Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors 573.751.0813 Telephone
573.751.1155 Fax
800.735.2966 TTY
800.735.2466 Voice Relay
embalm@pr.mo.gov
http://pr.mo.gov/embalmers.asp




We hope you found this informative.  We welcome you to stop in, visit with us, and let us answer any questions you might have.

Jessica White-Bryand & Skip White

Shell Knob, Missouri Office Phone Number
(417) 858-8400

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