January 28, 2026 – Full accreditation is restored to the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (DME) from the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), following nearly a decade under provisional accreditation.
The DME lost its full accreditation in 2016 due to changes in criteria needed to sustain the full accreditation, which was further affected by the pandemic as the case load increased and staffing shortages emerged.
The DME responded with smarter approaches, efficiencies and perseverance to meet the requirements to pass the rigorous NAME inspection, including:
- Examination of 90% of DME cases completed within 72 hours after the death is reported to the DME.
- 90% of DME cases are closed within 90 days after the death occurs.
- Inspection of DME facilities, investigations, labs, histology, records, personnel, and quality assurance.
“I am proud of the courage and effort demonstrated by my team to achieve this national recognition,” Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo said. “To my knowledge, we are the first in the nation to lose full accreditation and regain it without a new facility. It is a testament to the Department’s leadership who identified solutions to the inefficiencies and to the staff who wholeheartedly supported the implemented changes to provide the best service possible to the community.”
The NAME accreditation status is effective August 24, 2025, and is valid for five years.
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