Dr. Paul to be county medical examiner
Dr. Benjamin Paul, a physician at UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine - Humboldt, has been named the new county medical examiner by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors. Dr. Paul will be an independent contractor and will have sole authority to carry out the duties of the position, including naming a designated death investigator in instances when Dr. Paul is not available.
By KENT THOMPSON
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Monday approved local physician Dr. Benjamin Paul as the new Humboldt County medical examiner, pending all legal requirements for contract services.
Dr. Paul will serve as an independent contractor for the county. Paul asked that the county increase its annual retainer payment for medical examiner services from the current $3,300 to $5,000 annually, payable in $1,250 quarterly payments. It was noted the county had not raised the payment for medical examiner services since 2009.
Paul requests an addition $100 per inquest for simple death investigations requiring one hour in time or less, and $200 per inquest for more complex investigations that require more than one hour.
His duties are slated to being on March 1.
