Lowry Asks Panel To Review Coroner

Gov. Mike Lowry is asking the state’s medical disciplinary board to review the performance of Spokane County Coroner Dexter Amend.

Few details were available Friday, but Lowry’s Spokane spokeswoman, Judith Gilmore, said more information would be released next week. Gilmore said the state’s Medical Quality Assurance Commission regulates the competency of health-care providers.

Since taking office in January, Amend has been making news. Some health officials have questioned the accuracy of the diagnoses Amend places on death certificates.

Amend angered many area citizens by publicly condemning homosexuality. A recall effort has been sparked by the controversy.

Efforts to reach Amend late Friday were unsuccessful.

, DataTimes