Part 1Coroners etc

Chapter 2Notification, certification and registration of deaths

I121National Medical Examiner

1

The Secretary of State may appoint a person as National Medical Examiner.

2

The National Medical Examiner is to have—

a

the function of issuing guidance to medical examiners with a view to securing that they carry out their functions in an effective and proportionate manner;

b

any further functions conferred by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

3

Before appointing a person as National Medical Examiner or making regulations under subsection (2)(b), the Secretary of State must consult the Welsh Ministers.

4

A person may be appointed as National Medical Examiner only if, at the time of the appointment, he or she—

a

is a registered medical practitioner and has been throughout the previous 5 years, and

b

practises as such or has done within the previous 5 years.

5

The appointment of a person as National Medical Examiner is to be on whatever terms and conditions the Secretary of State thinks appropriate.

6

The Secretary of State may pay to the National Medical Examiner—

a

amounts determined by the Secretary of State by way of remuneration or allowances;

b

amounts determined by the Secretary of State towards expenses incurred in performing functions as such.

7

The National Medical Examiner may amend or revoke any guidance issued under subsection (2)(a).

8

The National Medical Examiner must consult the Welsh Ministers before issuing, amending or revoking any such guidance.

9

Medical examiners must have regard to any such guidance in carrying out their functions.