Opinion Number

Dear Dr. Falterman:

In your capacity as the Iberia Parish Coroner, you have requested our opinion regarding the fees which may be charged by a pathologist who conducts autopsies on behalf of the Coroner's Office.

According to your correspondence, a particular pathologist has been conducting autopsies for the Coroner's Office for some time. We understand that until January of 1993, this pathologist received a salary, approved by the Parish Council, as compensation for all autopsies he conducted in a particular year. Effective January 1, 1993, the pathologist has worked on a "fee for service"…