Sponsor: Medical Examiner
Title
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Reappointment of the Ramsey County Medical Examiner and Agreement for Forensic Services
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Recommendation
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1. Reappoint Kelly Mills, M.D. as the Medical Examiner of Ramsey County from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026.
2. Approve the agreement with Kelly Mills, DBA River Valley Forensic Services, PA, for a two-year period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026 in accordance with the rates established in the agreement.
3. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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The agreement and appointment of Kelly Mills, M.D. as Ramsey County Medical Examiner will expire on December 31, 2024. The County Manager is requesting the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners to approve the agreement and to reappoint Dr. Mills as the County Medical Examiner for a two-year period from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026. The contract includes a rate increase of 2.5 percent per year and a $180,000 increase in 2026 for an additional pathologist with all other the terms of the agreement remaining in effect. The additional pathologist is needed for case load certification and succession planning.
Minnesota Statutes 390.005 requires Ramsey County to maintain and operate a public morgue and the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners to appoint a qualified Medical Examiner for a term not longer than four years. The Medical Examiner serves as the appointed public official with administrative control of a mandated system of death investigation. Dr. Kelly Mills satisfies the qualifications, certifications and licensing requirements to serve as a Medical Examiner for Ramsey County.
River Valley Forensic Services, PA. is an incorporated professional association of Dr. Kelly Mills and three forensic pathologists, who all maintain the required qualifications for medical examiner services. Dr. Mills will be responsible for investigations, autopsies, toxicological and laboratory analysis for Ramsey County. Dr. Mills is also responsible for the work of non-medical personnel employed by the county and assigned to the Medical Examiner's department.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The Medical Examiner’s Office participates in the Safety and Justice Race Equity Action Team and is committed to finding ways for inclusive, effective, and meaningful community engagement with Ramsey County’s diverse, cultural and communities. In partnering with the Race Equity Action Team, the Medical Examiner’s Office is able to reach out to the community to answer questions regarding investigations or provide information regarding services provided by the Medical Examiner’s Office for the different cultures within Ramsey County.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The Medical Examiner is an independent official of the county and is subject only to appointment, removal and budgeting by the Ramsey County Board.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
This agreement will have no fiscal impact as costs are included within the Medical Examiner’s 2024-25 biennial budget.
Last Previous Action
On December 13, 2022, the Ramsey County Board reappointed Kelly Mills, M.D. as Medical Examiner for a term ending on December 31, 2024 and approved an amendment for an annual rate increase of 2.5 percent (Resolution B2022-284).
Attachments
1. Contract Agreement