March 21, 2024 – The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (DME) is waiving the $400 transportation and storage fees for a 180-day period after unanimous approval on Tuesday by the LA County Board of Supervisors.
In an effort to provide compassion and kindness during a time of great loss and grief, surviving family members and friends will not receive a bill for the cost of transporting the body of the deceased to the DME for an examination, and the storing afterwards until mortuary arrangements are made during the assessment period.
“The Department witnessed the hardship these costs were placing on grieving families and began advocating to eliminate these fees required by County code,” Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo said. “The loss of a loved one is stressful enough. This is a perfect opportunity for the Department to offer kindness and support to those we serve during difficult times and reduce some of the financial burden they face.”
Current analysis shows roughly a 50% return on transportation and storage fees billed, down from 79% in fiscal year 2017-18.
“I’d like to thank Supervisor Hilda L. Solis for authoring this bill and Supervisor Janice Hahn for coauthoring, and the Board of Supervisors for recognizing the importance of this motion by unanimously voting to approve it,” Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Ukpo said.
As part of the motion, the DME will collect data related to this pilot program and report back to the Board its findings after the 180 days. The DME will also work with the County Chief Executive Officer to identify a funding source to continue this new program.
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