Alabama Administrative Code Title 235 - ALABAMA BOARD OF CORONERS TRAINING COMMISSION
The Alabama Administrative Code, Title 235, is dedicated to the Alabama Board of Coroners Training Commission. This Commission was created to ensure that coroners and deputy coroners throughout Alabama receive the necessary training to properly perform their duties, thereby enhancing the quality of death investigations in the state.
The Commission's authority stems from the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically Sections 11-5-31 onwards, which establish the Alabama Coroner's Training Commission and outline its responsibilities.
The primary chapter under Title 235 is:
Chapter 235-X-1 - ORGANIZATION, ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURE.
This chapter lays out the fundamental rules for the Commission's operation and the training requirements for coroners and deputy coroners. Key areas covered include:
235-X-1-.01 Definitions: Defines terms relevant to the Commission and the role of coroners.
235-X-1-.02 Purpose: Clearly states that the Commission's purpose is to ensure coroners and deputy coroners receive adequate training, prescribe training standards, and maintain training records. It emphasizes collaboration with other entities like higher learning institutions, Public Health, Forensic Sciences, and Law Enforcement.
235-X-1-.03 The Alabama Coroner's Association: Defines the relationship between the Commission and the Alabama Coroner's Association, noting that while there's collaboration, the Commission is a separate entity with distinct duties, particularly in approving training.
235-X-1-.04 Composition And Selection Of Commission: Details how the Commission members are appointed, typically including representatives from the Alabama Coroner's Association, the Attorney General's Office, and gubernatorial appointments.
235-X-1-.05 General Description Of Organization And Operation: Describes how the Commission generally functions.
235-X-1-.06 Rules Of Order, 235-X-1-.07 Quorum, 235-X-1-.08 Officers, 235-X-1-.09 Election Of Officers: Standard rules for the conduct of Commission meetings and the election of its leadership.
235-X-1-.10 Commission Secretary: Defines the role and responsibilities of the Commission's Secretary.
235-X-1-.11 Meetings: Specifies how and when the Commission will hold its meetings.
235-X-1-.12 Review Of Submitted Trainings And Educational Programs: Crucially, this rule outlines the process by which the Commission reviews and approves external training and educational programs for credit towards the required hours for coroners and deputy coroners. The Commission determines the suitability and value of such training and grants or denies credit.
235-X-1-.13 Use Of Forms: Requires coroners and deputy coroners to submit information to the Commission using designated forms.
235-X-1-.16 Responsibility Of Each Coroner's Office: Emphasizes that each coroner is responsible for ensuring they and all deputy coroners successfully complete approved training and submit proof in a timely manner. It also covers consequences for non-compliance, including suspension.
235-X-1-.17 Required Training/Education Hours: Specifies the minimum annual in-service training hours required for coroners and deputy coroners.
235-X-1-.18 Training/Educational Requirements: Further elaborates on the types of training that meet the Commission's requirements.
235-X-1-.19 Records & 235-X-1-.20 Records Retention: Rules for maintaining training records and the retention period for these records.
Key Responsibilities of the Alabama Board of Coroners Training Commission:
Setting Training Standards: Developing and revising a list of approved training school programs and establishing minimum levels of pre-service and in-service training for coroners and their designated assistants.
Approving Training Programs: Reviewing and granting credit for training and education courses submitted by various entities (including the Alabama Coroner's Association, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, and others).
Record Keeping: Collecting and maintaining records of individual coroners' and deputy coroners' training.
Ensuring Compliance: Monitoring compliance with training requirements and notifying coroners of non-compliance, which can lead to suspension by the Governor for failure to complete mandated training.
Improving Quality of Investigations: From time to time, the commission may establish more stringent standards to improve the quality of death investigations and the certification of unattended deaths.
In essence, Title 235 and the Alabama Board of Coroners Training Commission are vital for ensuring that the individuals responsible for investigating deaths in Alabama's counties are adequately prepared and continuously educated to perform their critical duties professionally and effectively.
For the most accurate and current information, it is always recommended to consult the official Alabama Legislative Services Agency / Administrative Code website or the Alabama Secretary of State's website for the full text of Title 235.
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